Strep Throat in Kids: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Understanding Strep Throat: Causes and Symptoms
Symptoms of Strep Throat in Kids
Strep throat typically presents with the following symptoms in children:
- Sore throat or throat pain, which can develop rapidly
- Pain while swallowing
- Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
- Red spots on the roof of the mouth
- Fever
Additional symptoms may include:
- Headache
- Body aches or a general feeling of unwellness
- Rash
- Abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting, particularly in younger children
While strep throat commonly manifests as throat discomfort, not all sore throats indicate strep throat. Various factors, including viral infections, can cause sore throat symptoms in children. Symptoms such as coughing, a runny nose, or conjunctivitis (pink eye) suggest a viral origin rather than strep throat caused by group A streptococcus bacteria. If your child experiences a sore throat or displays symptoms of strep throat, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional to determine whether testing and treatment for strep throat are necessary.
When to Contact a doctor
Families should contact a doctor if their child exhibits the signs and symptoms of strep throat mentioned above, to assess the need for testing and treatment. Testing can typically be conducted in the doctor’s office and involves a simple throat swab.
If a child has been diagnosed with strep throat, it’s important to contact the doctor if the symptoms do not begin to improve within a couple of days after starting treatment. This ensures appropriate monitoring and adjustment of the treatment plan if necessary.
Duration of Strep Throat
Strep throat typically develops within 2-5 days after exposure to the group A streptococcus bacteria. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most children start feeling better and can resume normal activities, including school, within a few days. However, it’s essential to complete the full course of prescribed antibiotics, even if symptoms improve before the medication is finished, to ensure complete recovery and prevent the spread of the infection.
Treatment for Strep Throat
Strep throat is typically treated with antibiotics, which serve several purposes: they reduce the duration of illness, alleviate symptoms, prevent the spread of bacteria to others, and minimize the risk of complications.
Upon starting antibiotics for strep throat, your child should begin to feel better within 24 hours, and they will no longer be contagious. However, it is crucial to complete the entire course of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor, even if your child’s symptoms improve.
It’s important to note that not everyone with a sore throat requires antibiotics. If the sore throat is caused by a viral infection rather than the group A streptococcus bacteria, antibiotics are not necessary. If your child exhibits symptoms of strep throat, contact your doctor to determine if testing is needed to determine if antibiotics are appropriate.
Can Strep Throat Go Away on Its Own?
It is not advisable to wait for strep throat to resolve on its own. If left untreated, strep throat can lead to complications, as outlined below. Therefore, prompt testing and treatment are crucial, as antibiotic therapy reduces the risk of severe complications.
Complications of Strep Throat
Serious complications from strep throat and the group A streptococcus bacteria are rare, but they can occur if the bacteria spread to other parts of the body. Therefore, it’s important to contact your doctor if you experience signs and symptoms of strep throat, to determine the necessary testing and treatment, or if symptoms do not improve within a couple of days after starting treatment. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of strep throat help reduce the risk of complications.
Complications of strep throat or the group A streptococcus bacteria may include:
- Ear infection
- Sinus infection
- Abscesses of the tonsils or neck
- Rheumatic fever
- Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis
- Invasive infections such as bloodstream infections, toxic shock syndrome, and other severe infections
Although these complications are rare, seeking medical attention promptly if you suspect strep throat is essential for appropriate management and to minimize the risk of potential complications.
Is Strep Throat Contagious and How Does It Spread?
Strep throat and the streptococcus bacteria are highly contagious. The bacteria can spread from person to person through respiratory droplets, secretions, or saliva. Infected individuals can transmit the bacteria by talking, coughing, or sneezing, which releases respiratory droplets containing the bacteria. Additionally, sharing food and drinks can facilitate transmission.
Others can become infected by:
- Inhaling the respiratory droplets
- Touching surfaces contaminated with the droplets and then touching their mouth or nose
- Sharing personal items such as utensils or drink containers
To protect against spreading streptococcal bacteria and to reduce the risk of strep infection, it’s important to:
- Wash your hands frequently, especially after coughing or sneezing
- Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing
- Avoid sharing personal items like eating utensils or drinking glasses
These measures help limit the transmission of streptococcal bacteria and decrease the likelihood of strep throat infection.
Returning to Work, School, or Activities After Strep Throat Diagnosis
Individuals diagnosed with strep throat should refrain from attending work, school, daycare, or other activities until certain criteria are met. They should remain at home until they no longer have a fever and have been taking antibiotics for at least 12 hours. This helps prevent the spread of the infection to others and ensures that the individual is no longer contagious.
Can a Child Get Strep Throat Without Tonsils?
Strep throat typically affects the throat and tonsils. If a child has had their tonsils removed, their risk of developing strep throat decreases; however, it is still possible to contract the infection. Without tonsils, the likelihood of getting the infection may be lower, and symptoms may be less severe if the infection does occur.
In conclusion, understanding the symptoms, treatment, and prevention of strep throat is essential for maintaining overall health and preventing the spread of infection. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment help minimize complications and reduce the risk of transmission to others. At Aiconic Health, we prioritize providing accurate information and support to help individuals and families effectively manage strep throat and other health concerns.