Sore Throat: Signs & Symptoms

Aired on Lifetime Television
April 20 and June 1, 2008
Show 509

Strep bacteria are one of the major causes of sore throat and tonsillitis in children. How do you tell if your child's sore throat is caused by strep, or just a common cold that will go away on its own?  Walgreens Take Care Nurse Practitioner Hana Malik joins Dr. Lisa to discuss the signs and differences. A key thing to remember is that strep is very contagious, so if your child is around other children frequently and is complaining of a sore throat, take them to a health care provider for evaluation. A sore throat from strep arrives quickly, and the pain is more intense when swallowing. It's also usually accompanied by a headache, fever, and sometimes nausea, vomiting, and rash; the glands in the neck may also be swollen and tender. Typically with strep, the throat and tonsils will be inflamed and bright red—white spots may also be present. It's important to know that strep throat symptoms are often elusive, so the only sure way to find out if your child has strep throat is to have a health care provider perform a rapid strep test. A new rapid strep test can diagnose strep in less than 10 minutes. If results are positive for strep, appropriate antibiotics can be prescribed so your child can start feeling better fast.