Complications.
Complications of strep throat are rare, however they may be rather serious. Such cases normally occur if the infection hasn’t been treated duly or if the immune system is weak. They are divided into pus-forming and non-pus-forming. Further treatment will depend on the type.
When pus is formed, surgery may be required to drain it. The most common pus-forming complications are:
- Peritonsillar abscess (an abscess in front of the tonsil);
- Otitis media (infection of the middle ear characterized by pain, fever and fluid drainage);
- Sinusitis (sinus infection).
Non-pus-forming complications include:
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- Poststreptococcal reactive arthritis (characterized by swollen joints and generalized pain);
- Generalized swelling throughout the body;
- Rheumatic fever (a serious inflammatory condition that can affect the heart, joints, nervous system and skin);
- Scarlet fever;
- Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (a serious kidney condition which may result in kidney failure.
There is also a possible (yet unproved) relationship between strep infection in children and a rare condition called pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with group A streptococci (PANDAS). Those with strep seemed to have worsened symptoms of neuropsychiatric conditions. [6]
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