Strep throat is a highly contagious infection to children and a common concern among parents. Because this condition is susceptible to both children and adults, it’s important to know its symptoms, how it spreads, and how you as a parent can care for your children can help treat this condition. As pediatricians, we are prepared for treating this infection and can help give you plans to prevent this condition from immediately returning fully.
Symptoms of Strep Throat and How It Spreads
Strep throat is caused by a group of bacteria called A Streptococcus. This group of bacteria can live inside the nose and throat without developing any symptoms. However, when an infected person with strep throat comes into contact, these strains of bacteria can become active and begin attacking the tonsils, lymph nodes, and muscles of the throat. Most often, the infected bacteria can spread through respiratory droplets caused by coughing and sneezing, close contact with the person infected, and secretions left on objects used such as utensils and toys.
Because it is easily contagious, it’s important to pay attention to its symptoms. Some viral or bacterial infections such as the cold or flu can also occur at the same time as strep throat but aren’t connected to strep throat in any way. Most often, these symptoms include:
- Sore throat
- Swollen Tonsils
- Swollen Lymph Nodes
- Fever
- Pain while swallowing
- Headaches
- Stomach pain
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Small red spots along the roof of the mouth
When left untreated, strep throat can cause infections of the tonsils, sinuses, blood, and ears. Strep throat can also lead to conditions such as scarlet fever, cause inflammation throughout the kidneys, and also cause rheumatic fever. These serious health issues can be prevented through medications and other forms of treatment. We are here to help provide you with an easy way to treat your child’s strep throat and give you the tools you need to help prevent it from reoccurring.
Our Pediatric Treatments For Strep Throat
Strep throat, despite its contagiousness, can easily be treated through various antibiotics. After diagnosing your child with a rapid strep test, our prescribed antibiotics can remove it and prevent your child’s strep throat from returning. Alongside antibiotics, we can also provide you with hygiene techniques, diet changes and helping you teach your child about hygiene methods, including washing hands and covering coughs.
Through various methods, we can provide treatment for strep throat and help ease your child’s condition within a matter of your first visit. Our pediatricians can help you with your child’s needs through a variety of methods and help address problems through compassionate care. Our pediatricians can help your child through the most unusual ailments and provide long-term management to help give you the life tools you need to give your child a healthier, happier childhood. Through us, we will give you specialized care that works.
For more information about our pediatric services and how we can help you, contact us by calling 801-446-0102 or by visiting our clinic in Riverton, UT, today.
