Strep throat natural history

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Tarek Nafee, M.D. [2]; Aysha Anwar, M.B.B.S[3]

If left untreated, group A streptococcal pharyngitis may be self-limiting. In some cases, complications such as peritonsillar abscess, retropharyngeal abscess, mastoiditis, and cervical lymphadenitis may develop in untreated patients.^[1][2][3] Less commonly, post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, rheumatic fever, and toxic shock syndrome may develop as delayed complications. Rarely, vasculitis may occur. The prognosis of strep throat is good with treatment; complications rarely develop with adequate treatment.

If left untreated, group A streptococcal pharyngitis may be self-limiting. In some cases, complications such as peritonsillar abscess, retropharyngeal abscess, mastoiditis, and cervical lymphadenitis may develop in untreated patients which may results in septic shock or death if they are not managed appropriately.^[1][2][3] Less commonly, delayed chronic complications such as post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, rheumatic fever, and toxic shock syndrome may develop. Rarely, vasculitis may occur.

Complications that can develop as a result of strep throat may be divided into suppurative and non-suppurative types:^[1][3]

• Peritonsillar abscess
• Retropharyngeal abscess
• Otitis media
• Sinusitis
• Cervical lymphadenitis
• Mastoiditis
• Vasculitis

Images of vasculitis after Streptococcal throat infection

• Rheumatic fever
• Acute glomerulonephritis
• Toxic shock syndrome

The prognosis of strep throat is good with treatment. Complications rarely develop with adequate treatment.^[1]

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