Strep throat is a sore throat caused by streptococcus bacteria, one type of germ. Strep throat is very contagious. It can spread to other people from your hands, a cough, or a runny nose. Strep throat is more likely for those who smoke, have a compromised immune system, or are otherwise run-down or fatigued. It is more likely if someone else in your household, day care, or school has had it recently. The only way to know for sure that you have strep throat is to visit your doctor for a strep test. It must be treated with antibiotics and can cause serious complications if left untreated.

Symptoms may include:

• A sore, red throat with white patches
• Bright red tonsils
• Throat hurts worse when you swallow
• Fever
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Swollen neck glands

What your doctor can do:

• Diagnose strep throat by asking about your child's symptoms, examining their throat, and ordering a strep test
• Treat strep throat with antibiotic medication

What you can do:

• Take all of the antibiotics ordered, even when you feel better
• To soothe a sore throat, gargle with warm salt water, suck on hard candy or lozenges, or for a young child, give 1 tsp corn syrup
• Drink liquids (water, tea, soup) and eat soft foods (bananas, mashed potatoes, puddings) if your throat is too sore to eat regular foods.
• Wash your hands often and cover your mouth if you cough or sneeze. This will help prevent infecting others.
• Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) for aches and fever. Do not give aspirin to anyone under 18. It has been linked to Reye's syndrome, a rare but very serious illness. Discuss with your doctor before giving ibuprofen with a strep throat.

What you can expect:

• With treatment, symptoms should be better in 2 or 3 days.
• The infection should be gone in about 10 days (once antibiotics have been completed).
• Possible complications of untreated strep include sinus or ear infection, and heart or kidney problems.

Contact your doctor if your child is not feeling better after 48 hours of antibiotics, or if another family member begins to show symptoms.

Contact Lake Area Pediatrics at
(936) 582-5620