Streptococcal Pharyngitis or Strep Throat

Streptococcal pharyngitis or strep throat is a common infection in kids and teens, caused by bacteria called ‘Group A Streptococcus’ (GAS). It’s the leading cause of bacterial sore throats in children and teens, and usually needs antibiotics to clear up. If left untreated, strep throat can lead to complications like rheumatic fever, which affects the joints and heart, or kidney inflammation, though these are rare.

Strep throat spreads through mucus from an infected person, often through talking, coughing, sneezing, or direct contact. Children between the ages of 5 and 15 are most likely to catch it, especially during the school year when they’re around many other kids.

Symptoms usually appear within 12 hours to 5 days after exposure and can range from a mild tickle in the throat to severe pain, especially when swallowing.

You might also notice a fever, red swollen tonsils with white or yellow patches of pus, red spots on the roof of the mouth, and tender neck glands. Bad breath is also common. Some children may also have a headache, stomach pain, or even a rash that feels like sandpaper, known as ‘scarlet fever’. It can cause skin peeling around the fingertips after a few weeks.

It’s important to remember that not all sore throats are strep throat - many are caused by viruses and don’t need antibiotics.

If you suspect your child has strep throat, we’ll likely do a quick test in the office using a cotton swab to check for the bacteria. The test can confirm the diagnosis within minutes, though a throat culture might take a few days.

In case your child has strep, they’ll need a full course of antibiotics, usually for 10 days, to prevent complications. Even if your child starts feeling better, it’s crucial to complete the entire treatment. This helps to ensure all the bacteria are gone and to prevent complications like rheumatic fever.

Kids are contagious until 24 hours after starting antibiotics, and they can return to school once they've been on antibiotics for a day and are feeling well.

At home, make sure your child stays hydrated, and offer soft or soothing foods. Teaching good handwashing habits is key to preventing the spread of strep throat. If they have a fever or pain, acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help. But avoid aspirin due to the risk of Reye syndrome.

With the right care, your child should be back to their usual self soon.