Share:

Getting sick is often an unfortunate part of being a kid. There are many common illnesses a child can get that may require a visit to a pediatrician. One of the most common is strep throat, a painful infection in the throat and mouth that many children come down with every few years. Since a high fever is one of the primary symptoms, it’s important to know what you’re dealing with. Here’s what parents should know about spotting and treating strep throat. 

What Pediatricians Want You to Know About Strep Throat

Understanding Strep Throat

Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat that causes pain and discomfort. Unlike other illnesses that cause throat pain, strep throat is caused by the streptococcus bacteria and can be treated with antibiotics.

Children between the ages of 5 and 15 are most at risk for developing strep, and infections are more common in the colder months of fall and winter. 

Identifying Signs & Symptoms 

pediatricianStrep throat usually infects quickly and can last up to a week, though it usually passes within a few days. Strep throat is commonly recognized by red, swollen tonsils covered in gray, white, or yellow patches or film. Red or purple spots may also develop in the mouth.

Other symptoms include fever, chills, nausea, aches, and loss of appetite. Strep throat sometimes disappears on its own, but if these symptoms become severe, you should take your child to a pediatrician for medical treatment. 

Diagnosing & Treating Strep

In some cases, strep throat will go away without professional treatment. In the meantime, you can ease symptoms at home with over-the-counter pain medication and ice compression against the top of the neck near the swollen tonsils.

If symptoms persist or worsen—particularly fever—take your child to a pediatrician so they can take a swab of the throat and test for streptococcus. If the test comes back positive, the doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics. 

Preventing Transmission

Protect classmates and friends by keeping a child with strep throat out of school and away from others until they’re no longer contagious. This is often a few days after the most dramatic symptoms subside or 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment. 

 

For top-notch pediatric care in Chester County, SC, visit Mante Pediatrics. Their experienced and compassionate pediatricians will efficiently diagnose and provide treatment options for an array of illnesses and injuries. They’ll help you and your child feel welcome and cared for and get you in and out of the office so you can focus on recovery. Not only do they provide treatment options for illnesses and infections, but they also provide vaccines, allergy evaluations, and more. Visit their website or call (803) 385-2075 to learn more and make an appointment today. 

tracking