Strep throat is a common bacterial infection that affects the throat and tonsils, most often caused by Group A Streptococcus. It’s known for causing a sudden sore throat, painful swallowing, fever, swollen tonsils, and swollen lymph nodes. But many people are surprised when they or their child experience stomach issues, especially diarrhea, during a strep infection. So, is diarrhea actually a symptom of strep throat? In some cases, yes. While not everyone with strep develops digestive problems, it’s a recognized symptom, especially among children.
For same-day strep throat testing and treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver University Hills. Our team is available 7 days a week to provide quality, affordable, and convenient care! Walk in or plan your visit in advance below.
Why Strep Throat Can Cause Diarrhea
Strep throat primarily affects the throat, but the infection and the body’s immune response can lead to digestive symptoms. Here’s why:
1. Children Are More Likely to Have Stomach-Related Symptoms
Kids often experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea with strep throat. Their bodies tend to react more strongly to bacterial infections, which can trigger stomach upset as part of their immune response.
2. Swallowing Bacteria Can Irritate the Stomach
The streptococcal bacteria present in the throat can be swallowed, which may irritate the gastrointestinal tract and contribute to symptoms like nausea or diarrhea.
3. Fever and Dehydration Can Impact Digestion
When someone has a high fever, the body may become dehydrated more easily. Dehydration can cause digestive disturbances, including diarrhea.
4. Antibiotics Can Cause Diarrhea Too
Once diagnosed with strep throat, many people begin antibiotic treatment, usually penicillin or amoxicillin. While antibiotics are necessary to treat strep, they can also disrupt the normal gut bacteria, leading to diarrhea as a side effect. This can occur anywhere from a few days into treatment to after the full course is completed.
How to Tell If Diarrhea Is Related to Strep or Something Else
Digestive symptoms can occur for many reasons, so how do you know if diarrhea is connected to strep throat or another illness? You may be dealing with strep if the diarrhea appears along with classic strep symptoms, such as:
- Sudden sore throat
- Painful swallowing
- Fever
- Red or swollen tonsils
- White patches or streaks on the tonsils
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Headache
If digestive symptoms appear without a sore throat, another infection (like a stomach virus or foodborne illness) may be to blame.
When to Visit Urgent Care
Strep throat requires medical testing and antibiotic treatment, so it’s important to visit urgent care if you or your child has symptoms. You should seek care if:
- You have a severe or rapidly worsening sore throat
- Symptoms last more than 48 hours
- You experience a high fever
- Diarrhea is persistent or accompanied by signs of dehydration
- A rash appears
- There is difficulty swallowing or breathing
At an urgent care center, medical providers can perform a rapid strep test and throat culture if needed. Early diagnosis leads to faster symptom relief and helps prevent complications, including rheumatic fever and kidney inflammation. Most people begin feeling better within 1 to 2 days of starting antibiotics, though diarrhea could linger slightly longer.
Get Same-Day Strep Throat Testing at AFC Urgent Care Denver University Hills
Diarrhea isn’t the most common symptom of strep throat, but it does occur, especially in children and individuals with fever or stomach sensitivity. It can also be a side effect of antibiotics used to treat the infection. Because strep throat can’t be diagnosed by symptoms alone, seeking prompt urgent care testing is the best way to confirm the cause and receive the right treatment. At AFC Urgent Care Denver University Hills, we’re here to help you find relief. We provide treatment both in-person and via telemedicine– 7 days a week. Don’t ignore your symptoms– visit us today! We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about strep throat treatment, or other services we provide, please contact our medical team directly at (303) 756-4500.
