Have questions about strep throat and your child?
Your child is complaining about a sore throat, and your first thought is, “Could it be strep?” There is a difference between a sore throat and strep, and it’s important to recognize when your child’s symptoms are worth visiting our Mission, TX, pediatrician Dr. Syed Husain to find out if it could be strep.
What is strep throat?
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that impacts the tonsils. While there are several causes of a sore throat, strep throat is relatively common in children and teens.
What are the signs of strep throat?
Yes, a sore throat is the classic symptom of strep throat, but it’s not the only symptom our Mission, TX, team sees. Other warning signs of strep throat include,
- White patches on the tonsils
- Red, inflamed tonsils
- Swollen, tender lymph nodes of the neck
- Red spots in the mouth
- Fever
- Rash
- Loss of appetite
How can you spot the difference between strep throat or a sore throat caused by a viral infection? A sore throat accompanied by a runny nose, coughing or vocal changes is not considered a sign of strep.
What causes strep throat?
Strep throat is contagious, which means that your child could have gotten it from contact with an infected person’s nasal secretions or saliva. Make sure that your child doesn’t share utensils or items with someone sick. Also, make sure that your child is practicing proper handwashing regularly throughout the day to prevent germs from spreading.
How is strep throat treated?
Since a bacterial infection causes strep throat, the only way to treat the infection is with antibiotics, so you should bring your child into our Mission, TX, or Edinburg, TX, practice for medication. A simple throat swab can help us collect a sample and test it to diagnose strep throat. Once we determine that your child has strep throat, we can prescribe a round of antibiotics. It’s essential that your child takes this medication exactly as prescribed and does not stop taking medication once they start to feel better. They need to finish their antibiotics to prevent the infection from returning.
Are you worried that your child might have strep throat? If so, call Valley Pediatric Clinic in Mission and Edinburg, TX, at (956) 424-7100 or (956) 383-9300 to schedule an immediate evaluation with Dr. Husain.