Does My Child Have Strep Throat: A Parent's Guide

If your child comes home and complains that his or her throat hurts, then your mind may straight jump to strep throat. Though it is not only the reason for a sore throat but common and worrisome. You should monitor the symptoms carefully so that you can decide whether to contact a pediatric ENT specialist.

You may think that minor health problems can be treated with home remedies. But a few particular conditions may lead to major issues if you do not seek medical help in the beginning.

For instance, a sore throat can turn into a serious problem if you left it untreated for a longer period. Read this article to know what strep throat is, the symptoms and why you have to do it in this condition.

What Is Strep Throat?

Strep throat generally occurs due to a type of bacteria called group A streptococcus. According to researchers, this type of bacteria is responsible for 20% to 30% of cases. It is very contagious because the bacteria spread through coughing and sneezing. As children share various personal items like cups and utensils between them, strep throat is very common in them compared to adults. The study also finds that strep throat is mostly found in ages between 5 to 15 years.

Keep in mind that children can recover from this condition within seven to 10 days without antibiotics, but it can increase the higher risk of other problems including rheumatic fever.

The Type of Symptoms You Can Notice

  • Throat aching when eating or swallowing

  • Fever

  • Headache

  • Loss of appetite

  • Vomiting or nausea

  • Rash

  • Small red spots on the roof of the mouth

  • White patches on the tonsils

  • Lymph node swelling in the neck

But keep one thing in mind if your child has other symptoms such as raspy voice, pink eye, coughing and runny nose, then they may not suffer from strep throat. In that case, you should take him or her to a pediatric ENT specialist.

Treatments for Strep Throat

Doctors may prescribe a 10-day course of antibiotics to treat strep throat. You must monitor that your children complete the course even after a few symptoms are gone. Apart from that, doctors also recommend over-the-counter medications to reduce pain and fever.

The patient should take enough fluid to prevent dehydration. Do not give your child acidic drinks like orange juice and other citrus drinks. If your child is a teenager, then you can give ice to treat popsicles. Gargling is also a good choice for children who are above six years old to treat strep throat.

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Remember that if you avoid such conditions for too long, it can cause potential complications such as sinus and ear infections, heart and kidney disease. Consequently, it would be recommended if you notice symptoms in your child, schedule an exam and consultation at Oklahoma Otolaryngology Associates, LLC.

**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of patient-doctor relationship.

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