Beta infection, which is common in children, is caused by bacteria, not a virus, contrary to popular belief. This infection, transmitted through droplets, may appear as swelling in the neck area, sore throat, fever and difficulty swallowing.
Exposure to the bacterium called Beta hemolytic Streptococcus pyogenes is the only cause for beta infection. This bacterium, which is transmitted through inhalation or close contact, settles in the upper respiratory tract and spreads throughout the body. Since it is a disease transmitted through droplets, individuals who suspect that they have this infection; Must pay attention to mask use, hygiene and social distance.
BETA infection is an infection caused by the bacterium Beta hemolytic Streptococcus pyogenes. It is popularly abbreviated as BETA. Contrary to popular belief, BETA infection is caused by bacteria, not viruses.
What are the reasons?
There is only one cause of BETA infection. Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria causes BETA infection.
Beta infection symptoms
BETA infection occurs with symptoms of infection, which the public calls tonsil or upper respiratory tract. It affects the upper respiratory tract and tonsil area.
BETA symptoms can be listed as follows:
- Fever is among the common symptoms of BETA infection.
- Difficulty swallowing may be a sign of BETA infection.
- Swelling in the neck can be caused by many disorders, but it can also be a symptom of BETA infection.
- Sore throat is common in upper respiratory tract disorders. It may also be a sign of BETA infection.
The symptoms of BETA infection can be confused with other diseases, especially upper respiratory tract infections. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a doctor when symptoms of BETA infection occur.
What are the symptoms of Beta infection in children?
Beta infection is a disorder usually seen in children and adolescents. The symptoms often observed for each age group are similar. The main general symptoms of beta infection, which is common in children from the age of 3 to 17, can be listed as follows:
- High fever,
- Allergy-like redness or rash on the skin
- swelling around the throat
- Vomiting, nausea
- difficulty swallowing
In whom is it seen most?
Beta infection is a disease that usually occurs in childhood. It is more common in children between the ages of three and fifteen. During school age, which is a developmental period, the body and immune system, which are constantly infected with new viruses and bacteria, may become weak from time to time. The important thing is to get over infections mildly and improve immunity with early and correct treatment. Especially children with lung-related conditions such as asthma and bronchitis should be carefully observed by their parents.
How is it diagnosed?
- Diagnosis of BETA infection is made by throat culture.
- BETA infection is diagnosed if Streptococcus pyogenes grows in the throat culture taken from the patient.
In addition, there are also throat swab tests for BETA diagnosis, called rapid tests, which provide results in 1 hour. - Acute BETA infection is not detected by a blood test. However, whether you have had a BETA infection in the last 3-6 months can be determined by a blood test.
How is it treated?
- BETA infection is a throat infection. Penicillin-derived antibiotics are used in the treatment of BETA infection.
If penicillin-derived drugs used in the treatment of BETA infection are to be taken orally, 10 days of antibiotic treatment is recommended. - In addition, a single dose of penicillin by injection into the hip can also be used in the treatment of BETA.
- Antibiotics such as azithromycin, clarithromycin or erthomycin may be preferred for patients who are allergic to penicillin-like antibiotics used in the treatment of BETA infection.
Is there any benefit to learning about previous BETA infection?
BETA infection has some late complications such as rheumatic fever and nephritis. Learning about previous BETA infection by taking a blood test can be useful in the diagnosis of such diseases.
What Happens If BETA Infection Is Untreated?
BETA infection can also go away on its own. However, it can sometimes cause complications.
If BETA infection is not treated;
- Untreated BETA infection may later cause rheumatism.
- If BETA infection is not treated, the infection can spread locally. Neck abscess may occur. There may be infections that progress into the brain through the sinuses.
- It may cause problems in the lymph nodes in the tonsils
- Untreated BETA infection can cause acute rheumatic fever.
- Post-infection nephritis (a type of kidney disease) may occur.
- Children with BETA infection may experience Pandas disease, which occurs with tic-like movements.
Is BETA Infection contagious?
BETA infection is contagious. It can easily be transmitted from person to person via droplets.
How many days does BETA Infection go away?
BETA infection goes away on its own within 3-5 days, even if no intervention is given. If antibiotic drugs are to be taken orally during the treatment process, they must be used for 10 days. By injection, 1 dose of penicillin is sufficient.
How to get rid of BETA Infection?
BETA infection is an infection transmitted through droplets. Cough can easily spread from person to person through contact with a sick person in the immediate vicinity. Since BETA infection is caused by bacteria, it can be transmitted through close contact, kissing or hugging.
What is good for BETA Infection?
The only treatment for BETA infection is the use of antibiotics. There is no other medication other than antibiotics to be used in the treatment of BETA infection. However, BETA infection can also go away on its own. If no intervention is made, BETA infection can usually terminate itself within 3-5 days.
Is there a natural treatment for BETA infection?
There is no natural cure or herbal treatment for BETA infection. The disease can also end on its own, but it should not be forgotten that there is a possibility of complications. Foods or supplements that strengthen the immune system are not effective in eliminating BETA infection. However, it is important to eat healthy to keep the body and immune system strong in order to avoid getting sick.
Emphasizing the importance of strengthening the immune system, Pharmacist-Homeopath experts recommend the use of herbal supplements. Essential oils such as thyme, tea tree, lavender, rosemary and eucalyptus affect the body through breathing and relieve symptoms such as cough.
Be sure to consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
References:
- Pichichero ME. Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infections. Pediatr Rev. 1998 Sep;19(9):291-302. doi: 10.1542/pir.19-9-291. PMID: 9745311. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9745311/
- Puopolo KM, et al. Group B streptococcal infection in neonates and young infants. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed July 16, 2019.
- Group B strep (GBS). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/groupbstrep/index.html. Accessed July 16, 2019.
- Puopolo KM, et al. Management of infants at risk for Group B streptococcal disease. Pediatrics. 2019;144:e1881.
- Puopolo KM, et al. Group B streptococcal infection in pregnant women. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed July 12, 2021.
- Partin AW, et al., eds. Infections of the urinary tract. In: Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 12th ed. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed July 12, 2021.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Committee on Obstetric Practice. Committee opinion No. 797: Prevention of group B streptococcal early-onset disease in newborns. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2020; doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000003668. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31977795/