What happens if strep throat is left untreated

Group B strep primarily affects newborns, causing life-threatening symptoms like:. According to the Mayo Clinic, most babies born to women carrying group B strep are healthy; however, infections during labor can cause the infant to be critically ill. Therefore, it is important for mothers to take antibiotics during labor to reduce this risk.

As an adult, consult your doctor immediately if you possess any of the following risk factors:. Group B streptococcus is carried by many healthy people with no symptoms. Unless you have any of the outlined risk factors, there is nothing you need to do about group B strep.

However, group B streptococcus can cause illnesses, although rare, in newborns and immunocompromised adults. For information about our ENT specialists or any of our other physicians or services, visit us online at medicalwesthospital. Freestanding Emergency Department. Signs and Symptoms of Atypical Strep Throat 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. A peritonsillar abscess. Toxic shock syndrome. Complications related to the body's immune response to strep bacteria Sometimes in response to a strep infection, the body's immune system will attack healthy tissues, causing complications such as rheumatic fever , inflammation of the kidneys glomerulonephritis , or pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections PANDAS.

In rare cases, untreated strep may progress to rheumatic fever. Antibiotic therapy begun as late as 9 days after the start of a strep infection will prevent rheumatic fever. Glomerulonephritis may occur after infection with certain strains of strep bacteria. These infections may include a strep infection of the skin such as impetigo , usually during the summer months, or the throat such as strep throat , usually during the winter months. The condition is relatively rare and goes away without treatment.

But some complications may require treatment. Antibiotic therapy begun as late as 9 days after the start of a strep infection will prevent rheumatic fever. Glomerulonephritis may occur after infection with certain strains of strep bacteria. These infections may include a strep infection of the skin such as impetigo , usually during the summer months, or the throat such as strep throat , usually during the winter months. The condition is relatively rare and goes away without treatment.

But some complications may require treatment. Treatment of strep infection may not prevent inflammation of the kidneys. PANDAS is a term used to describe what happens with some children who have symptoms of certain disorders that get worse following infections such as strep throat or scarlet fever.

The disorders whose symptoms get worse include obsessive compulsive disorder OCD and tic disorders such as Tourette's syndrome. Related Information Tonsillitis Strep Throat. Group A streptococcal infections. In LK Pickering et al. Credits Current as of: April 15, Top of the page Next Section: Related Information.