Insights by Dr. Jan M. Johnson, pediatrician at Sea View Pediatrics part of Rady Children’s Health, Orange County
Could it be strep throat?
When your child has a sore throat, it’s not always easy to tell what’s behind it. While many sore throats are part of a viral illness, strep throat is a bacterial infection that can have some distinct signs.
Here’s what parents should know.
What is strep throat?
Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by group A strep, also known as Streptococcus pyogenes.
What are the signs of strep throat?
Strep throat often comes on suddenly. Common symptoms may include:
- A severe sore throat
- Painful swallowing
- Swollen lymph nodes
- White patches or plaques on the tonsils
- Small red dots on the roof of the mouth, called petechiae
What symptoms usually point to a virus instead?
If your child has a sore throat along with any of the following symptoms, a viral illness may be more likely:
- Runny nose
- Hoarseness
- Mouth ulcers
How do doctors know if it’s strep throat?
The only way to know for sure whether your child has strep throat is through testing. Your child’s healthcare provider may recommend:
- A rapid strep test
- A throat culture
These tests can confirm whether group A strep is causing your child’s symptoms.
How is strep throat treated?
If the test is positive for strep throat, treatment may include:
- Antibiotics
- Plenty of fluids
- Rest
A simple rule of thumb for parents
If your child has a fever and sore throat without other symptoms, it’s a good idea to have them checked for strep throat.
If your child has a fever and sore throat along with symptoms such as a cough, runny nose, hoarseness or mouth ulcers, the illness is more likely to be caused by a vius.
When in doubt, talk with your child’s healthcare provider, who can recommend the appropriate testing and treatment
For more health and wellness resources from the pediatric experts at CHOC, sign up for the Kids Health newsletter.
Find a CHOC Primary Care Pediatrician
From babies to teens, pediatricians from CHOC’s Primary Care Network partner with parents to offer immunizations, sick visits, sports physicals and more.
