Signs and Symptoms
Most children at one time or another suffer from a sore throat. Approximately 90% of sore throats are viral and do not need to be treated. These resolve within two to four days. The other 10% of sore throats are caused by strep. Signs and symptoms of strep throat include:
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Swollen glands
- Headache
- Stomach ache
- Vomiting
- Rough feeling, red rash (Scarlet Fever)
Definition
Strep throat is an infection of the pharynx (throat) and tonsils caused by a bacterium called group A streptococcus. Strep throat accompanied by a rash is called scarlet fever. Strep throat must be treated with an antibiotic. Strep throat left untreated may eventually result in damage to the heart and kidneys.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of strep throat is based on the presence of characterisic signs and symptoms and confirmed with the performance of a throat culture. A throat culture involves touching the back of the throat and tonsils with a cotton tipped swab. The tip of the swab is then smeared onto a culture dish. The culture dish must be placed in an incubator overnight to grow. The culture dish will be examined the next day for the presence of the bacteria (group A streptococcus) which causes strep throat. Please call our laboratory between 10 and 12 o’clock in the morning following the culture to find out the results, The phone number is 352-2990.
A quick strep test is also available to diagnose strep throat. This test provides results within minutes. This test is fairly accurate, however, we also provide an overnight culture to cofirm those results.
Treatment
After the diagnosis of step throat is established, your child will be placed on an antibiotic. Be sure to give the medication as prescribed. Even if your child seems to be feeling better you must give the entire 10 days worth of antibiotics to effectively clear the infection.
Medical Follow Up
A repeat throat culture is not necessary if your child takes all of the antibiotic and does not have signs or symptoms of strep throat.
Contagiousness
Strep throat is frequently seen in the late fall, winter and early spring. It can occur at any age, but is most often seen in school aged children. Strep throat is spread from person to person through the air. Because most people are contagious before they have symptoms, you may not know when your child has been exposed. Once your child has been on antibiotics for 24 hours, he or she is no longer contagious and if feeling better may return to school.
**It is recommended to have your child start using a new toothbrush after being on antibiotics for 2 days.
Getting a Throat Culture
At Old Harding Pediatric Associates, throat cultures may be obtained without an appointment on a walk-in, first come, first serve basis. Throat cultures may be obtained during a doctor’s visit if deemed necessary by a physician.
Call Our Office If:
- Fever is not gone after 48 hours on the antibiotic
- Your child does not improve taking the antibiotic
- Your child refuses or is too sick to take the antibiotic
- Your child seems extremely ill or has difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Your child is unable to open his or her mouth
- You have concerns or questions