Strep throat can happen to anyone - at any age. It's most common, however, among children between the ages of 5 and 15. But with all the things that your child comes home with from time to time, how can you tell whether this time you're dealing with strep throat or just another garden-variety sore throat?
We can help you understand the early signs and symptoms of strep so you know when to take action and when it's probably safe to treat your child at home. Here's what you need to look for.
Pain That Starts Strong and Fast
Strep throats can be a lot more painful than the average sore throat, and the pain usually comes on hard and fast. Your child may have difficulty swallowing, even liquids. If your child has no appetite because it simply hurts too much to swallow, strep is certainly possible.
Red Tonsils and White Patches in the Throat
This is one of the major hallmarks of strep throat. Have your child open their mouth so you can get a good look. If you see red and white patches on their tonsils - possibly with pus - this is definitely time to head to the doctor's office. This symptom is almost exclusively limited to infectious diseases like strep throat.
Enlarged Tonsils and Noticeably Swollen Lymph Nodes
If your child's tonsils also seem to be bigger than normal, you aren't imagining things. Strep throat can cause a lot of swelling in the throat in general. Gently feel along either side of your child's neck for little swollen lumps or bumps. The lymph nodes in the neck can become quite inflamed and painful with strep throat.
A Persistent Headache
The younger your child is, the more concerning this symptom should be. Headaches are actually unusual in small children due to their immature neurological system, although teenagers can get them more easily. A persistent headache combined with a sore throat is often the sign of a virus.
A Red, Bumpy Rash
The same bacteria that cause strep throat produces a toxin that can also cause a bright red rash that's bumpy. The rash typically starts on the chest but can actually spread to the whole body. It's commonly known as scarlet fever and needs immediate medical attention.
Fever
In children, a fever is a body temperature that's higher than 100.4 Fahrenheit and higher. A fever is a sign that the body is responding to infection and trying to fight it off. Normally, the higher the fever, the more pervasive and serious the infection.
Stomach Pain, Nausea, and Vomiting
If your child complains of stomach pain, talks about wanting to throw up, or is actually vomiting, that's a sign that you aren't dealing with an ordinary sore throat.
Problems Breathing
This should be an immediate concern. With strep throat, your child's tonsils may become so swollen that they can literally block air from getting in or out when your child tries to take a breath. Don't hesitate to seek medical assistance.
Finally, if you don't see any of these major symptoms at first but your child's sore throat persists for more than three days, see a physician. Most ordinary sore throats clear up quickly on their own. An infection, however, will persist longer and generally needs antibiotics for treatment.
Strep throat, on the other hand, is a serious bacterial infection that affects several million people every year. Approximately 11,000 to 13,000 people will contract an invasive form of the disease that can lead to death, so it's vital to have your child evaluated by a pediatrician if you suspect strep throat is a possibility.