Sore throats (pharyngitis) that are caused by viruses are often accompanied by cold or flu symptoms. They are variably painful, last 2 - 4 days and go away on their own without antibiotics.

Strep throat is caused by a bacteria called streptococcus and requires an antibiotic for treatment. It is often, but not always accompanied by fever of varying degrees. Other common symptoms of strep throat are headache, stomach ache, vomiting, and swollen glands.

Occasionally, these are the only symptoms present.

If your child has strep throat, his tonsils are often inflamed, red and swollen, with white or yellow patches covering them. However, only mild redness may be apparent, especially early in the course of the illness. There also may be bright red spots on the roof of the mouth and a distinctive bad-breath odor.

Strep throat may also be accompanied by a fine red sandpaper-like rash that is most pronounced on the chest and abdomen. The rash can appear any time during the course of the illness and usually fades over 1-3 days. It may be followed by peeling of the palm and soles 1-3 weeks later. When the rash is present, strep throat is called scarletina or scarlet fever.

Scarlet fever is no more serious than strep throat alone; it is merely a term used to describe strep throat associated with a distinctive rash.

If you suspect your child may have strep throat, he should be seen in our office so that we can take the appropriate tests. There are two tests: a rapid strep test, which takes about 10 minutes, and a throat culture, which takes 24 hours. If either of these tests is positive, we begin treatment with Amoxicillin (if penicillin allergy is not present) for 10 days. With treatment your child should begin to show improvement in 1-3 days.

Tylenol can be given for aches, pains or fever causing discomfort. Fluids should be encouraged. Cool drinks, popsicles or Chloraseptic Lozenges can help to relieve throat pain.

Children with strep throat are contagious for 24 hours after the start of antibiotic therapy. They may return to school or day care 24 hours after beginning antibiotics and when their temperature and activity level are normal. The incubation period for strep throat is 3-7 days.

Even if your child shows improvement during the course of his treatment, it is extremely important to continue the treatment for the full 10 days to prevent the serious complications of strep throat. Serious complications of strep throat are rheumatic fever, which is an inflammation of the joints, heart and other tissues, and nephritis, which is an inflammation of the kidneys.