Strep Throat: Here is Everything Parents Should Know

The most challenging part of being a parent is when your child is suffering from an internal health issue but you don’t know how to assist them.  With internal health issues, as a parent, it becomes difficult to identify the problem based on the signs and symptoms. Currently, strep throat is a major issue faced by kids. Here are the things parents need to know about strep throat:

What is Strep Throat?

Strep throat is an infection commonly caused by bacteria. If your child is suffering from a sore throat, there is a high probability that it’s caused by bacteria. The bacteria that causes strep throat is known as Streptococcus.  The infection spreads faster amongst kids, so it’s wise to train your child to maintain good hygiene by washing their hands.

Symptoms of Strep in Kids

These symptoms may indicate your child suffers from strep throat:

• Your infant may experience low fever, bloody or thick nasal discharge.
• Swollen tonsil glands and loss of appetite.
• Pain while swallowing food.
• Some toddlers have stomachaches when infected with strep.
• Commonly, children of 3 years and above experience a high fever of 102 and above, inflammation or tonsils in pus.
• Tiny red spots on the mouth roof.
• Other lesser symptoms include headache, general discomfort, rashes, nausea, vomiting and body aches.

Tips for taking care of a child with strep throat

If your child suffers from strep throat, taking good care of them can speed the recovery process. Before starting any at-home care, please reach out to a medical professional for advice. Here are some tips to help you:

• Schedule an appointment with your child’s doctor. They will be able to test your child for strep and prescribe antibiotics to help them get better. Your doctor will also be able to answer any questions you may have about strep throat infections.
• Give your child lots of liquids in small amounts, like water, apple juice, warm chocolate and soup. You need to avoid acidic drinks like lemonade and orange juice.
• Prepare soft foods for your child, which makes swallowing easier. Your child may not be willing to eat if the food available hurts their throat.     

If your child has difficulties swallowing food, consult your doctor before giving them any medication. Parents need to train everyone at home to maintain proper hygiene. Ensure your child’s hands are clean while eating meals. You can also contact Center for Family Medicine for help.