Complications and risks of sore throat

Most sore throats clear without any problems, but some causes can lead to complications, especially untreated strep throat in children. Knowing these helps you act at the right time.

Complications of strep throat

• Rheumatic fever: an inflammatory illness that can permanently damage heart valves. It is prevented by treating strep with antibiotics.
• Kidney inflammation (post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis): causing swelling, dark urine and high blood pressure.
• Scarlet fever: a strep infection with a sandpaper-like rash.
• PANDAS: a rare condition with sudden behaviour changes in some children after strep.

Local spread of infection

• Peritonsillar abscess (quinsy): a pus collection beside the tonsil, causing severe one-sided pain, difficulty opening the mouth and muffled speech. Needs urgent drainage.
• Ear and sinus infections: infection spreading from the throat.
• Retropharyngeal abscess: a deep neck infection, more common in young children.
• Epiglottitis: rare but life-threatening swelling blocking the airway.

Dehydration Painful swallowing can stop children from drinking, leading to dehydration.

Chronic problems

• Repeated tonsillitis affecting school, sleep and growth.
• Long-lasting hoarseness, which needs an ENT check to rule out serious causes.

Ayurvedic view (interpretive) Texts warn that untreated throat disease can spread deeper. This is a conceptual caution; modern complications need modern care.

When to seek urgent care Breathing difficulty, drooling, inability to swallow, severe one-sided swelling, muffled "hot potato" voice, stiff neck, or dark urine with swelling. Call 112.

Remember Treating strep throat fully prevents rheumatic fever. One-sided severe swelling is an emergency.