“It is important for parents to notice any signs of discomfort in their children in time. Before the specialist indicates the treatment, it must be verified that the causative agent of the pharyngitis is streptococcus, since in most cases the origin is viral. In the case of streptococcal pharyngitis, antibiotics from the penicillin family (either penicillin or amoxicillin) are usually prescribed for 10 days, in addition to paracetamol to relieve fever and pain, as the case may be,” says Dr. Carlos Carrasco, pediatrician of our clinic.

What is strep throat?

It is an infection caused by a group of group A streptococcus bacteria that affects the pharynx and tonsils, causing a sore throat among other discomforts. It is most common in children between the ages of 5 and 15, although anyone can get it.

How is it transmitted?

Strep throat is spread by person-to-person contact with nasal secretions or saliva from an infected person.

What symptoms do children with strep throat have?

• Symptoms appear 2 to 5 days after coming into contact with strep and include fever, chills, red throat (may be associated with a whitish discharge), pain when swallowing, and tender swollen glands (ganglions) in the neck, poor appetite, headache, nausea, abnormal taste sensation and general malaise.
• Some types of group A strep can cause a rash similar to scarlet fever, which can start on the neck and chest and then spread over the entire body.

What tests can diagnose strep throat?

Specialists can perform a rapid strep test (which can be negative even if you have strep) or a throat culture (which is more accurate and can take 1-2 days to produce a result).

Final recommendations:

• Comply with the treatment for 10 days, given the risk of subsequent relapses.
• Keep in mind that complications can arise such as: kidney disease, peritonsillar abscess, rheumatic fever, scarlet fever and guttate psoriasis.
• Maintain good hand hygiene and separate cutlery.
• Remain in isolation for 48 hours after starting the intake of antibiotics. The child should not attend school to avoid contagion.
• Contact your doctor if the minor does not show improvement after 24 to 48 hours of starting antibiotic treatment.
• Change toothbrush at the end of treatment.

Dr. Carlos Carrasco
Pediatrician at Clínica Ricardo Palma