STREP THROAT (Streptococcal Sore Throat) |
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STREP THROAT (Streptococcal Sore Throat)
DESCRIPTIONStrep throat is infection and inflammation of the pharynx by streptococcal bacteria. Strep throat is contagious. One out of 4 family members usually catches it within 2 to 7 days after exposure. The throat, tonsils, and frequently the nose and trachea are involved.
Appropriate health care includes self-care after diagnosis; physician's monitoring of general condition and medications.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Fever.
Throat pain that is worse when swallowing.
Very young children may complain of stomach pain rather than throat pain.
Loss of appetite.
Headache.
General ill feeling.
Ear pain when swallowing (sometimes).
Swollen glands in the neck.
Bright-red tonsils that may have specks of pus.
CAUSES
Streptococcal bacteria.
RISK FACTORS
Recent strep infection in the household.
Smoking.
Fatigue.
Cold, wet weather.
Crowded living conditions.
PREVENTING COMPLICATIONS OR RECURRENCEYour child should avoid contact with infected people.
BASIC INFORMATION
MEDICAL TESTS
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
Laboratory studies, such as a throat culture and blood count. A throat culture is the only way to diagnose a strep-throat infection in your child. This is an inexpensive, quick, painless procedure in a doctor's office.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Dehydration (if your child's throat is too sore to swallow liquid).
The following complications can be prevented with at least 10 days of treatment with penicillin or other effective antibiotics:
-- Abscess next to the tonsil.
-- Rheumatic fever.
-- Glomerulonephritis.
PROBABLE OUTCOME
Usually curable in 10 to 12 days with antibiotic treatment.
TREATMENT
HOME CARE
For children old enough to gargle, prepare a soothing tea gargle. Double the usual strength of tea, and let the child gargle warm or cold as often as it feels good.
Use a cool-mist humidifier to provide moisture. This relieves the dry, tight feeling in the child's throat.
Use warm soaks (See Glossary) to relieve pain in the child's swollen glands.
MEDICATION
Your doctor may prescribe penicillin or another antibiotic for the child to take orally or by injection.
See Medications section for information regarding medicines your doctor may prescribe.
ACTIVITY
Your child should rest in bed until fever drops below 100F (37.8C), reading or watching TV.
After treatment, your child can resume normal activity as symptoms improve. Children may return to school 5 days after beginning antibiotics, if symptoms have improved.
DIET & FLUIDS
A liquid diet may be necessary while the child's throat is sore. Your child should drink as many fluids as possible, including milk shakes, soups, tea, carbonated drinks, and iced coffee. Any type and amount of solid food is acceptable as long as it can be swallowed without too much pain.
OK TO GO TO SCHOOL?When signs of infection have decreased, appetite returns, and alertness, strength, and feeling of well-being will allow.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
Your child has symptoms of a strep throat.
The following occurs during treatment:
-- Temperature is normal for 1 or 2 days, then rises to 101F (38.3C).
-- New symptoms appear, such as nausea, vomiting, earache, cough, swollen glands, skin rash, severe headache, nasal drainage, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
-- Convulsions occur.
-- Joints become red or painful.
-- Cough begins that produces green, yellow-brown, or bloody sputum.
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