When your child has a sore throat, it could be nothing to worry about or could be strep throat and need expert treatment. Scott Dattel, MD, FAAP, and the team at Kansas City Pediatrics, in Kansas City, Missouri, offer rapid testing and compassionate care for your child’s strep throat. If you suspect your little one has strep, call or schedule an appointment online with the office.
Strep throat, or strep, is a condition that causes a sore, scratchy throat due to bacteria called group A streptococcus. Strep throat accounts for about one-third of all sore throats.
Other possible causes for a sore throat include:
Strep bacteria continue to live in your child’s nose and throat, even after their symptoms have gone away. For many children, strep throat returns easily if they are exposed to anyone with strep or when they have a compromised immune system.
A sore throat is the most common symptom of strep throat; however, your child may not have a sore throat or may have symptoms in addition to a sore throat.
Additional strep throat symptoms may include:
Because strep is not always the cause of your child’s sore throat, the Kansas City Pediatrics team swabs their throat to test for the presence of strep bacteria. This test offers rapid results, usually within five minutes.
Strep throat is highly contagious, so if someone in your house has strep, it is essential to follow specific precautions to avoid passing the bacteria to others.
Strep spreads through sneezing, coughing, or touching, so it is essential to teach your child to wash their hands frequently. You can also help to avoid spreading strep by:
The Kansas City Pediatrics team understands that strep can be difficult and can cause your child to feel poorly. Early diagnosis and treatments, such as antibiotics, over-the-counter pain relievers, rest, and warm liquids, can go a long way in helping them feel better.
For a rapid strep test and treatment for strep throat, call or schedule an appointment online with Kansas City Pediatrics.
