What is a common complication of untreated strep throat?

Scarlet fever is a common complication of untreated strep throat, which is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes. When strep throat is allowed to progress without treatment, the bacteria can release toxins that lead to additional symptoms, one of which is a distinctive red rash known as scarlet fever. This rash typically appears on the neck, underarm, and groin, and is often accompanied by a high fever and a strawberry-like appearance of the tongue.

The progression from strep throat to scarlet fever highlights the importance of treating bacterial infections promptly to prevent complications. While other options such as chronic bronchitis, hypertension, and hepatitis might be serious health issues, they are not directly linked to untreated strep throat. Chronic bronchitis is largely associated with long-term lifestyle factors, particularly smoking, hypertension is linked to various cardiovascular and lifestyle factors, and hepatitis is associated with liver infections rather than throat infections. Thus, the association of scarlet fever as a complication of untreated strep throat is critical in understanding the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of this bacterial infection.