Kids Health Watch is Sponsored by Children’s Medical Group
Strep throat is a common infection in children that, while uncomfortable, is easy to treat with the right care. If your child has a sore throat, you may wonder if it’s strep. It’s important to understand the symptoms and know when to visit your pediatrician, so you can get your child the right treatment and help alleviate symptoms.
Strep throat is caused by a bacteria called Group A Streptococcus. The most common signs include sore throat, fever, headache, stomach pain, and swollen lymph nodes. Unlike viral infections, strep throat doesn’t come with a runny nose, cough, or congestion. This means that if your child has a sore throat along with those additional symptoms, it’s less likely to be strep.
While strep throat is most common in children ages 3 and up, it can occasionally affect younger children as well. If your child falls outside this typical age range but is showing symptoms, it’s still a good idea to visit your pediatrician for evaluation. If you’re concerned your child has strep, tour pediatrician can perform a rapid test to confirm whether it’s strep and prescribe the right antibiotic. This treatment works quickly and effectively, easing symptoms and preventing potential complications.
Treating strep throat is not just about easing the discomfort of a sore throat—it’s about avoiding more serious health issues, like rheumatic fever, which can affect the heart and joints if left untreated. Early treatment can help prevent this and get your child back to normal activities faster.
In addition to strep throat, Group A Streptococcus can also cause other infections, such as impetigo, a skin infection that results in red sores or blisters, and scarlet fever, which is characterized by a rash, fever, and a “strawberry” tongue. Strep bacteria can also lead to cellulitis, an infection of the skin and deeper tissues, causing redness, swelling, and warmth. These conditions can all be treated effectively with antibiotics, but they should be addressed as soon as possible by your pediatrician to avoid any complications.
The bottom line is that strep throat, while common, is easily treatable. If your child shows signs of a sore throat along with other typical symptoms of strep, don’t wait—schedule an appointment with your pediatrician. With early treatment, your child will be feeling better quickly.
Author: Savannah Browning
Dr. Savannah Browning grew up in Fayette, AL. She moved to Mobile to attend Medical School at the University of South Alabama in 2009, and has been a proud Mobilian ever since. She joined Children’s Medical Group in 2016, and her office is at the Airport Boulevard location. She lives in Mobile with her husband, Andrew, and their three children: Jude, Luke, and Annie.
