Pediatric Services Raleigh NC
TOPIC:
Strep Throat
Anybody can get Strep throat but it is more common in school age children and teens.
What Causes It?
Strep throat is an infection caused by Group A Streptococcus. It requires treatment with antibiotics.
Is It Contagious?
Yes, Strep throat can spread easily from one person to another. The bacteria that cause Strep throat tend to hang out in the nose & throat, so normal activities like sneezing, coughing or shaking hands can easily spread the infection from one person to another.
What Puts My Child At Risk of Getting it?
Exposure to a known source of Strep throat increases the chances of getting the infection.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Symptoms of Strep throat include sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, tender swollen glands in the neck, headache, stomachache, loss of appetite, vomiting and sometimes a rash (scarlet fever)
When Should I Seek Help?
Call your pediatrician right away if you think your child might have Strep throat.
What Will My Doctor Do?
See below.
How is it Diagnosed?
A rapid Strep test can be done in the office to diagnose Strep throat.
If it is positive, your child has Strep throat.
If it is negative, your doctor will send a sample to a lab for a throat culture. The results are usually available in 2-3 days.
What is the Treatment?
Strep throat requires treatment with antibiotics. Penicillin is the drug of choice unless your child is allergic to penicillin. Your child should start to feel better within 24 hours and is no longer considered to be contagious after 24 hours of starting antibiotics as long as their symptoms have improved. Make sure to complete the course of antibiotics so symptoms do not return and to prevent other health problems such as rheumatic fever, scarlet fever, blood infection, kidney disease, peritonsillar abscess. Change your child’s toothbrush after 24 hours of starting antibiotics.
Soft diet, hydration with warm liquids like soup can be soothing when your child has symptoms.
Prevention
It is very important to teach the kids about proper hand washing and coughing or sneezing in their shirt sleeve. Good hand hygiene can cut down their chances of getting strep throat. Do not share any food or drink with the infected child. Wash dishes, utensils and drinking cups in hot soapy water after each use. Prompt treatment of infected children cuts down the spread to other contacts.
A professional should always be consulted when you believe your child has a case of Strep Throat. At Durant Road Pediatrics’ convenient office located at 10880 Durant Road, Suite 215, Raleigh NC we take the extra time and effort to ensure the safety and comfort of your child. Contact us today to have Dr. Arora diagnose, treat and explain your Child’s illness and how to prevent future occurrences.