Strep Throat

What is strep throat?

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that occurs - surprise! - in your throat. Specifically, strep throat is caused by infection with a bacterium known as Streptococcus pyogenes, also called group A streptococcus.

Streptococcal bacteria are particularly contagious and can spread through droplets when someone with the infection coughs or sneezes, and also through shared food or drinks. You can also pick up the bacteria from a doorknob or other surface and transfer them to your nose, mouth or eyes. The main point is that the bacterium that causes strep throat is highly contagious and easily transmittable.

Although strep throat can occur anytime, it tends to circulate in winter and early spring. Strep bacteria flourish wherever groups of people are in close contact.

Strep throat can also cause additional health complications if left untreated, including rheumatic fever and an increased risk for heart damage. Not sure if your child has strep throat? Read below for common symptoms and indicators of strep throat.

What are the symptoms of strep throat?

In many cases, strep throat symptoms are similar to those of a sore throat common with a cold or flu, so it is very important to see your pediatrician and have your child evaluated by a medical professional in order to determine the cause of the symptoms. As the infection worsens, your child may develop increasing throat pain along with:

  • Fever

  • Swollen tonsils

  • Enlarged lymph nodes

  • Red or white patches on the back of the throat

Some children may also develop additional symptoms such as a headache, unexplained stomach pain, and nausea or vomiting as the result of a strep infection.

How is strep throat diagnosed?

Strep throat diagnosis and treatment at Yeled Shalom Pediatric Clinic in Eagle Pass, Tx

To determine if your child’s throat pain is a simple sore throat or has advanced into strep throat, our medical professionals at Yeled Shalom Pediatric Clinic will performs\ a visual exam of their throat and tonsils, and also check the lymph nodes in the neck for swelling.

At Yeled Shalom Pediatric Clinic, we also offer on-site rapid strep tests to confirm strep throat. This test is painless and involves a quick swab of the back of the throat.

What is strep throat treated?

If your child’s strep test is positive, Dr. Eliezer Hernandez will prescribe a course of antibiotics to clear the infection. Antibiotics are necessary In some cases, a negative strep test needs to be sent to a medical lab for further evaluation to confirm your child doesn’t have strep.

It’s important that your child takes the antibiotics as your Yeled Shalom Pediatric Clinic doctor prescribes, even when they start feeling better. Missing doses of the medication can result in the return of the infection.

If your child has a persistent sore throat that isn’t getting better with home care, book an appointment online now or call our Eagle Pass, TX, office today.