Strep throat: causes and pathogenesis

Sore throat, or pharyngitis, is developing a result of exposure to viruses streptococcal infection. In the inflammatory process involved the mucosa of the pharynx, soft palate, tonsils, and muscles, and retropharyngeal lymph nodes. Limited inflammation of soft palate and tonsils of the pharyngeal lymphoid ring is called angina.

The nature of the lesion of the throat of klassificeret: catarrhal, croupous, diphtheritic, ulcerative, abscess. Origin – primary and secondary, and the flow-acute and chronic. Primary acute pharyngitis occurs mainly as a result of General hypothermia or local cold exposure on the mucous membrane of the pharynx, usually in autumn and spring, i.e. in periods of the year with large variations in temperature. Strep throat can also occur by inhalation of toxic gases, chemical irritants (acids, alkalis, ammonia, formalin). The etiology of pharyngitis is also associated with infectious and viral diseases. Strep throat develops a complication of diseases such as stomatitis, rhinitis, laryngitis, tracheitis.

The Relationship between pharyngitis and inflammation of the nasal mucosa, larynx and trachea are so close that in most cases with diffuse processes, it is impossible to define primary affected organ. Therefore, in these cases limited to the diagnosis of "catarrh of the upper respiratory tract". Pharyngitis as a nosological disease is diagnosed only when clinical symptoms are manifested mainly by the pharynx.

Pathogenesis

In the throat is localized a lot of lymphoid structures. The amygdala (a cluster of lymphoid tissue in the mucosa of the pharynx) play an important role in protecting the body against pathogens. Tonsil pharyngeal ring "inform" the immune system about the nature of the antigen that enters the body with food, water and air. In addition, in them is antigen-dependent differentiation of lymphocytes in their effector cells that determine the immune system, the lymphoid system of the pharynx plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of infectious diseases. This is due to the fact that the mucous membrane of the tonsils and pharyngeal lymphoid ring has a lot of depressions (crypts) and folds, which contain saprophytic and conditionally pathogenic microflora: strepto - and staphylococci, sarcina, actinomyces, Pasteurella, fungi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and other bacteria. But the flora in these areas is not propagated due to the influence of cellular and humoral factors of the immune system. This maintains the balance between macro - and microorganisms. However, the reduction of the overall resistance of the organism and defense mechanisms the pharynx under the influence of etiological factors creates conditions for development of microflora and enhance its pathogenic action. Micro-organisms and metabolites of their activity can irritate the mucosa, penetrate into the tonsils and cause inflammation in them. Products of inflammation and toxins of microorganisms are absorbed into the bloodstream and cause intoxication of the organism, due to which there is fever, deteriorating General condition, increases in regional lymph nodes. Inflamed tonsils are not fully play a protective function and can be the gateway for the penetration of microflora, which causes the development of a septic process in the body.

Strep throat in children is accompanied by a sore throat, pyrexia, swelling of the tonsils, enlargement and tenderness of lymph nodes. The most susceptible are children 4–11 years of age. To confirm the diagnosis it is necessary to conduct bacteriological examination.

Patients with a diagnosis of "strep throat" treatment administered with the use of antibacterial drugs, enveloping means of soothing a sore throat and inflamed mucosa.