Disclaimer [ENGLISH]
Disclaimer: This material is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, nor does it replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. Reference to a specific commercial product or service does not imply endorsement or recommendation of that product or service by CPCMG.
Definition
- An infection of the throat caused by a bacteria called Strep.
- Also known as “strep pharyngitis”.
- Diagnosed and treated the same as “strep tonsillitis”.
Health Information
Symptoms
- Throat pain. Pain is usually worse with swallowing.
- Children under 2 years of age usually can’t complain about a sore throat. They might cry while eating or drinking or refuse their favorite foods.
- The throat may look bright red, and the tonsils may look swollen or have pus on them. You may also notice red dots on the roof of your child’s mouth.
- Other symptoms might include fever, headache, rash, swollen lymph nodes in neck, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting.
- Symptoms like cough, hoarse voice, red eyes, stuffy and runny nose, and ear pain are usually NOT seen with Strep throat.
Cause
- Group A Strep is the common bacterial cause of a throat infection, but it ONLY accounts for 20% of sore throats with fever.
- • Most sore throats are caused by viral infections.
- Strep throat is most common in kids 5 to 15 years old. It is uncommon in kids 2 years old and younger.
Diagnosis
- It can only be diagnosed with a test. It cannot be diagnosed over the phone, through a MyChart message, or on a video visit without getting a test done.
- If your child’s provider is worried about strep throat, they will do a strep test in the office. This test involves using a cotton swab in the back of your child’s throat.
- If the test is positive, your child’s provider will discuss treatment with you.
- If the test is negative, your child’s provider will usually send a second swab to the lab to double check. This is called a throat culture. It usually takes 2-3 days to get these results back.
- If your child has cold symptoms with their sore throat, it is unlikely to be strep - so a test is usually not needed.
Prevention of Spread to Others
- Good hand washing can prevent spread of infection.
- Do not share cups, utensils, or toothbrushes with others.
- Give your child a new toothbrush after they have been on antibiotics for 2 or 3 days.
- Learn more about exposure to strep throat here.
Care Advice
Antibiotic by Mouth
- Strep infections need a prescription for an antibiotic to kill the bacteria. Usually, amoxicillin is prescribed.
- Give the antibiotic as directed. Try not to forget any of the doses.
- Even if your child feels better, make sure they complete the entire course of the antibiotics. This will decrease the chance of the infection coming back.
- Treating with antibiotics is important to prevent some rare but serious complications that can affect the heart and kidneys.
Sore Throat Relief
Fever
For fevers that make your child uncomfortable, you can give Tylenol or ibuprofen (see age guidelines above).
Fluids and Soft Diet
- Try to get your child to drink fluids. Drinking is more important than eating right now.
- Some ideas to help with hydration: Cold drinks, milk shakes, popsicles, slushies, smoothies, ice cream, pudding, yogurt, fruit, and sherbet.
- Warm drinks like tea, warm water with lemon and honey (for children 12 months or older), warmed apple juice and soup might also help the throat feel better.
- If your child wants to eat, try to offer a soft diet. Avoid foods that need lots of chewing or that can be painful in the mouth (like citrus, salty, or spicy foods).
What to Expect
- Strep throat responds quickly to antibiotics.
- Symptoms usually start to improve within 1-2 days of treatment.
- Only a very small number of children with strep throat do not get better with the initial antibiotic treatment.
- If your child continues to have symptoms or their symptoms return after finishing the treatment, please make an appointment for your child to be seen in the office again.
Return to School
- Your child’s fever must be gone for at least 24 hours without using Tylenol or ibuprofen.
- Your child should feel well enough to join in normal activities.
- Your child has been on their antibiotic for at least 12 hours.
Call Your Doctor If
- Your child is having trouble breathing, is drooling, or has trouble moving their head or neck.
- Your child is unable to drink or stay hydrated.
- Fever lasts after taking antibiotics for 3 days.
- Other new or worsening symptoms develop, or you have other concerns.
This publication was adapted from information within American Academy of Pediatrics Patient Education Handouts and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) information materials.
Reviewed by: AR D.O., TT D.O. | 09/2023