What happens if strep is untreated

To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Top of the page. Topic Overview Complications of strep throat are rare but can occur, especially if strep throat is not properly treated with antibiotics. Complications related to the strep infection Although rare, complications can result from the strep infection spreading to other areas of the body. Infection can spread to the: Middle ear otitis media.

Sinuses sinusitis. Other, more rare, complications include: Infection behind the pharynx retropharyngeal abscess. Infection of the lymph nodes of the neck. In other words, they feel less streppy and more peppy! Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Is Strep Throat? He or she looking for: a red throat swollen tonsils white or yellow spots on your tonsils small red spots in the roof of your mouth Most of the time, strep will give you a sore throat, headache, stomachache, and fever.

To be sure you have strep throat, your doctor may do one or two tests: First, he or she can do a rapid strep test to check for strep bacteria. Is Strep Throat Contagious? Can I Prevent Strep Throat? But following these tips can help protect you: Make sure the person with strep throat covers his or her mouth when sneezing and coughing.

Don't handle used tissues or other germy items. Wash your hands regularly, especially before eating. Wash dishes, drinking glasses, knives, forks, and spoons in hot, soapy water.

Strep throat infection Open pop-up dialog box Close. Strep throat infection Strep throat usually causes throat pain and difficulty swallowing. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Strep throat: All you need to know. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed Dec. Pichichero ME. Complications of streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis.

Sore throats. Treatment and prevention of streptococcal pharyngitis. When the bacteria that cause strep throat move into the lungs, this can cause pneumonia. Pneumonia is when the air sacs in one or both lungs are inflamed. The air sacs can fill with fluid or pus, making breathing laborious.

In rare cases, the bacteria can enter your bloodstream. If the bacteria release toxins in multiple organs while in the bloodstream, it causes toxic shock syndrome. This results in catastrophic organ failure. Strep throat left untreated can result in life-threatening conditions. You should always seek out medical attention if you believe you have strep throat.

A few days of taking antibiotics is far better than the alternative: suffering for weeks on end or your condition becoming life-threatening.