Bacterial throat infections, also known as bacterial pharyngitis or strep throat, are caused by bacteria like Streptococcus pyogenes. While sore throats are commonly caused by viruses and resolve without treatment, bacterial infections can lead to complications if left undiagnosed and untreated.

Bacterial throat infections differ from viral ones in important ways. Viral sore throats, like those accompanying colds, often cause runny noses, coughs, and congestion, whereas bacterial sore throats more commonly lead to fever, swollen lymph nodes, white patches on the tonsils, and throat pain without other upper respiratory symptoms.

Cases of bacterial throat infections surged last year, likely connected to schools reopening after pandemic closures.

Experiencing a bacterial throat infection can be quite uncomfortable. The most common symptoms include:

• Sore throat - Often severe pain that makes it difficult to swallow or speak
• Fever - Usually between 38°C - 40°C
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• White or yellow patches on the tonsils
• Headache
• Rash (in some cases like scarlet fever)
• Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain

Please note that you should call 999 if you experience any of the following concerning symptoms:

• Your symptoms are severe and getting worse quickly
• You're making a high-pitched sound while breathing
• You drool
• You can't swallow or have difficulty breathing

Getting the right diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. This typically involves a physical exam and a throat swab to confirm the presence of strep bacteria, as it's often challenging to determine the cause based solely on symptoms. However, severe pain, fever, and lack of cough/congestion may indicate a bacterial origin.

While some of the symptoms may point to a bacterial cause, an accurate diagnosis of bacterial throat infection requires medical testing. The most common diagnostic methods include:

• Physical exam - The healthcare provider will examine the throat for signs of infection, such as swollen tonsils with white patches and pus. They will also check for swollen lymph nodes in the neck, fever, and rashes.
• Throat swab test - The doctor uses a cotton swab to take a sample from the throat, which is then sent to a lab to check for the presence of strep bacteria.
• Rapid antigen testing - Some doctor's offices and clinics can provide rapid tests for strep bacteria, with results available in minutes. This involves using the throat swab sample to look for antigens found in strep bacteria.
• Blood tests - Blood tests - In some cases, a blood test might be used to check for signs of a recent strep infection, although this is less common.

Proper diagnosis is important, as most sore throats are caused by viruses and will resolve without antibiotics. Accurate testing ensures that only bacterial throat infections are treated with antibiotics, helping prevent misuse and resistance.

If you are unsure, testing services like those offered by Patient Access, which can identify if a painful throat is caused by strep bacteria rather than a virus can give you more clarity about your condition.