What is the most significant complication of untreated streptococcal pharyngitis?

The most significant complication of untreated streptococcal pharyngitis is rheumatic fever. This condition can develop when the body's immune response to a strep throat infection mistakenly targets the body's own tissues, particularly the heart, joints, skin, and nervous system. Rheumatic fever is serious because it can lead to long-term damage to the heart valves, a condition known as rheumatic heart disease, which can result in lifelong health issues and complications.

Rheumatic fever typically occurs in children and adolescents who have had a streptococcal infection that is not appropriately treated with antibiotics. The risk of developing rheumatic fever increases if the throat infection is mismanaged, emphasizing the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis. Other potential complications, while concerning, do not carry the same long-term ramifications as rheumatic fever does, highlighting its significance as the major complication of untreated streptococcal pharyngitis.