Strep Throat in Kids: Symptoms & Urgent Treatment Needed
Strep throat, a common bacterial infection in children aged 5 to 15, requires prompt medical attention. Symptoms include sore throat, fever, and difficulty swallowing. If suspected, see your doctor immediately for testing.
A rapid strep test, which detects group A Streptococcus bacteria, is the first line of diagnosis. It involves a simple throat swab and takes about 10 minutes. A positive result indicates a strep infection and requires a 5- to 7-day course of antibiotics. However, a negative result in adults usually means no strep infection, and no antibiotics are needed.
If symptoms persist despite a negative rapid test, especially in children or teenagers, a throat culture may be ordered. This test takes up to 48 hours for results and is generally more accurate. Even with a negative rapid test, other streptococcal groups like C and G can still cause infections, although less commonly.
Strep throat, if left untreated, can lead to serious conditions such as pneumonia, meningitis, and kidney inflammation. Therefore, it's crucial to seek medical attention promptly if you suspect strep throat. The appropriate test and treatment will be determined by your healthcare provider.
