Is your child complaining about a sore throat? Sore throat is common, and it can easily be cured by lozenges and other natural remedies. However, if the sore throat is accompanied by other symptoms, then you might have a case of strep throat on your hands.
Here are some of the tell-tale signs that your child has strep throat:
Red and White Patches in the Back of the Throat
A clear sign of strep throat in a child is when they have red and white patches in the back of the throat. You can look at the back of their throat yourself to see this. However, it’s best to observe other signs as well.
Difficulty Swallowing
If your child has lost their appetite or is taking more time than usual when eating because they are having a hard time swallowing, then your child could have strep throat.
Headache
A virus causes common sore throats, and it can involve a headache. The same thing goes with strep throat. If your child experiences persistent headaches accompanied by a sore throat, then it’s likely a strep throat.
Swollen Lymph Nodes & Enlarged Tonsils
Strep throat comes with a lot of swelling. The lymph nodes can be found on either side of your child’s neck and you can feel them if they’re swollen. If you feel swollen lymph nodes accompanied by swollen or bright red tonsils, then it’s possible that your child has strep throat.
Fever
Fever is a common sign that the body is trying to fight infection. If your child experiences any of the above symptoms and is accompanied by fever, it is probably because of strep throat. When your child has a fever, make sure to monitor his or her temperature.
Nausea and Stomach Pain
If your child complains about an upset stomach in the middle of any of the symptoms listed above, they might also suffer from the sensation of wanting to throw up. If this is the case, it’s time to call the doctor because this is not a case of a sore throat.
Prolonged Sore Throat
If your child has a sore throat for more than three days, it’s best to contact your pediatrician. This way, you will be able to catch the infection as early as possible before it spreads to the rest of the family.
What Happens When Your Child Is Diagnosed With Strep Throat?
When your child is diagnosed with strep throat, he or she will be prescribed antibiotics. In some cases, the doctor will prescribe pain relievers to minimize pain and discomfort. However, keep in mind that these pain relievers will not eliminate the infection.
Conclusion
Strep throat can be difficult for a child—the pain in the throat, along with its other symptoms, can be hard for your child to bear. If you suspect that your child has strep throat, call your pediatrician so he or she can be given a proper assessment and the right medications to relieve him or her of the infection.
If you need quality urgent care in New Jersey, head on over to us at Agile Urgent Care. We can provide you with immediate urgent care for your child’s strep throat!
