December Seafordgram, 2002

Streptococcus or "strep" throat

One of the first complaints we often hear from sick children is that their throat is sore or scratchy. Many are caused by viral infections that go away on their own in a few days yet others are caused by bacterial infections that require antibiotic therapy. How do we know what is causing the problem? It is not possible to accurately diagnose a throat infected with bacteria, the most common being, Group A Streptococcus or "strep" throat without a throat culture or Strep test done at the doctor's office.

Strep throat is a common bacterial throat infection that occurs commonly in children age 6-12 years. Typical symptoms include a fever, and swollen, tender lymph nodes in the throat area just below the ear, where the jawbone and neck meet. White spots or pus can sometimes be seen on the tonsils or throat area if the tonsils have been previously removed. Younger children many even complain of abdominal pain. Children often have a feeling of being sicker than with a cold. It is possible though to have strep throat without having a sore throat.

Your doctor will diagnose strep on the basis of a physical exam and a throat culture. Strep throat is treated with antibiotics, usually in the penicillin family and you can expect your child to feel better in a day or two. Children can return to school after at least 24 hours of antibiotic therapy and no fever for 24 hours.

If untreated, strep throat can lead to tonsillitis, sinusitis, or ear infections. Scarlet fever is a non-serious common complication. The main symptom is a skin rash that looks like pinkish-red goose bumps. This rash usually starts on the upper chest and under the arms and in the groin area, and then spreads to the rest of the body.

A more serious complication of untreated strep is rheumatic fever. This disease can cause inflamed joints or arthritis and can go on to damage the heart valves and there is no cure. Another serious complication is a kidney inflammation called nephritis. This results in bleeding into the kidney and urine.

Strep throat is highly contagious and can spread through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Children can also pick up the bacteria from a doorknob or other surface and then transfer them to their noses or mouths. That's why they spread easily among family members, in schools and in child-care settings.

Some things you can do at home to help relieve symptoms include:

Gargling with a weak, warm salt water (1/4 tsp. Salt/4 oz. water)
Eat soothing foods such as broths or soups. This is especially true of chicken soup, which appears to have some antibacterial properties.
Drink cold liquids or eat popsicles
Avoid citrus products like orange juice or spicy foods which may add to the discomfort
Take an aspirin substitute such as Tylenol. Don't give aspirin to children under age 12 due to the potential life-threatening risk of Reye's Syndrome.

The best way to prevent all kinds of illnesses is proper hand washing! Also teach children to cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze. And be sure to protect your children and family from secondhand tobacco smoke. Smoke not only irritates a sore throat but can increase the likelihood of infections. Also remember that fumes from paint or cleaning products, can be irritating to the throat and lungs.

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YCSD