Strep Throat & Pink Eye: How Are They Related?

Introduction

Strep Throat & Pink Eye

Strep is a common type of bacteria that causes a variety of ailments. Strep throat is one of the most common disorders caused by the strep bacteria, which also causes eye infections such as bacterial conjunctivitis or pink eye in affected individuals. Pink eye is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the moist, transparent membrane that borders the eyelid and surrounds the eyeball which is generally associated with symptoms such as red swollen eyes, itching in the eyes, milky/yellow discharge from one or both eyes, crusting of the eyes (particularly after sleep), and/or excessive tearing in affected individuals.  ¹ Introduction| Researched based study from American Academy of Ophthalmology

Conjunctivitis

What Exactly is Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)?

A cold or exposure to someone who has a cold can cause conjunctivitis, which is typically an infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva, the outer covering of the eye. Conjunctivitis, also known as “pink” or “red” eye, is a common condition that normally doesn’t cause major problems but can affect both eyes and be contagious.

Types

Types of Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis comes in three different forms which are as follows:

• Viral conjunctivitis
• Bacterial conjunctivitis
• Allergic conjunctivitis

Viral conjunctivitis

• The most typical form of pink eye is viral conjunctivitis, which is brought on by the same virus that also causes the common cold.
• This type of conjunctivitis is extremely contagious and frequently spreads via classrooms and other crowded areas which is typically accompanied by symptoms such as burning, red, or watery eyes.

Bacterial conjunctivitis

• This type of pink eye, which is often exceedingly contagious and characterized by symptoms like painful, red eyes with a lot of sticky pus, is brought on by a bacterial infection.

Allergic conjunctivitis

• Is a type of pink eye caused by an allergic reaction which is generally non contagious and seen associated with symptoms such as painful, red, and watery eyes. ² Types| Researched based study from The National Health Service

Causes

What Causes Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis can spread quickly from both bacterial and viral causes.  The following are the most frequent ways to contract the contagious form of pink eye:

• Direct contact of the hands, eyes, or other body parts with an infected person
• Spread of an infection brought on by bacteria residing in a person’s own sinuses and nose
• Incorrect cleaning or improperly sized contact lenses. ³ Causes| Researched based study from American Academy of Ophthalmology

Symptoms

Symptoms of Pink Eye Brought on by Strep

The bacteria streptococcus, which exists in several kinds and is broadly grouped into a few groups, including the most prevalent, group A strep and group B strep, is what causes strep infections. Signs and symptoms of pink eye caused by strep bacteria as follows:

• Swollen red eyes with itchiness
• Yellow/milky discharge from one/both eyes, or crusting of the eyes, (especially after sleep)
• Feeling of grittiness in the eyes
• Excessive tearing
• Runny nose
• Fatigue
• Swollen glands. ³ Symptoms| Researched based study from American Academy of Ophthalmology

Strep throat and eye discharge

• Redness and thick discharge from the affected eye, which may comprise one or both eyes, are the most typical signs of bacterial conjunctivitis brought on by streptococcus bacteria.
• The affected eye is frequently “stuck shut” in the morning since the discharge is typically yellow, white, or green in color and continues to drain throughout the day.
• When correctly treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointment, it usually goes away fast and does not cause any long-term harm. ⁴ Symptoms| Researched based study from American Academy of Ophthalmology

Treatment

Treatment for Strep Throat & Pink Eye

Strep Eye Infection Treatment

• Depending on the affected region of the eye, and severity of the symptoms, different treatments are available for strep-related eye infections which includes antibiotic eye drops typically used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis caused by strep to stop the infection from spreading.
• If the infection is moderate, antibiotic treatment might not be required as it resolves in about a week.
• Applying cold compresses to relieve itching and burning are additional therapies for bacterial conjunctivitis.
• To lubricate the eyes and ease irritation, using artificial tears or eye drops may be helpful. ⁴ Treatment| Researched based study from American Academy of Ophthalmology

Pink eye and sore throat treatment

The majority of conjunctivitis types in adults resolve on their own. This is particularly true with viral conjunctivitis, which typically resolves on its own without any sort of medical intervention.

Several therapies that could aid in addressing the symptoms include:

• Cold and flu remedies
• Throat lozenges
• Cough drops
• Artificial tears, which could be beneficial for dry or itchy eyes

Sometimes, without therapy, bacterial conjunctivitis resolves after a week. But occasionally, it calls for either oral or topical antibiotics.

Home Remedies

Home Remedies for Sore Throat & Pink Eye

Home remedies for conjunctivitis include:

• Avoiding contact lenses and eye makeup until the symptoms resolve
• Keeping the eyelids clean with moist cotton swabs and applying warm compresses to the eyelids.

Home remedies for sore throat include:

• Gargling with saltwater and eating ice chips
• Consuming warm liquids and honey which should be avoided by children under the age of one. ⁵ Home Remedies| Researched based study from National Institutes of Health , ⁶ Home Remedies| Researched based study from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions on Sore Throat & Pink Eye

Q. Are strep throat and pink eye related?

• Depending on the underlying cause, they might be connected.
• Bacterial conjunctivitis brought on by streptococcus bacteria is connected to the condition accompanied by a sore throat symptom, but if the condition is brought on by a virus (particularly the adenovirus), the infection is regarded as unrelated and is instead seen as a viral infection associated with sore throat symptom. ⁴ FAQs| Researched based study from American Academy of Ophthalmology

Q. Is pink eye from strep contagious? What is the duration of strep pink eye?

• Yes, antibiotic eye drops are commonly used to treat pink eye caused by the streptococcus bacteria.
• As soon as symptoms start to manifest, it can spread to other people, and it continues to be contagious for up to 24 hours after starting an antibiotic treatment or as long as symptoms persist.
• Because it can be contracted by hand-to-eye contact or eye contact with an infected object, it’s crucial to maintain excellent hygiene.
• This includes often washing your hands and wearing goggles while swimming. ⁷ FAQs| Researched based study from National Institutes of Health

Takeaway

Sore Throat & Pink Eye: Maintain Personal Hygiene

• The group A Streptococcus bacteria are responsible for the infection known as strep throat.
• It’s unlikely that you have strep throat if you also have pink eye and throat soreness.
• Viruses or bacteria that induce cold-like symptoms are frequently to blame for the combination of crusty, gooey eyes and a sore throat. Most cases are likely to be swiftly resolved on their own.
• If your symptoms worsen or don’t improve after 1 to 2 weeks, see a doctor
• Strep throat can occur more than once in a person. Someone who already has strep throat is not immune to contracting it again in the future.
• The best method to avoid contracting or spreading a group A strep is to frequently wash your hands. This is crucial, especially after sneezing or coughing and before cooking or eating. ⁵ Takeaway| Researched based study from National Institutes of Health , ⁸Takeaway| Researched based study from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention