Sore Throat or Strep? Knowing When To See the Doctor
- posted: Oct. 21, 2024
When it is Strep Throat and Not Just a Sore Throat
Your child is getting sick and has developed pain in the throat. You are unsure if your child's sore throat is part of the illness or if they have developed strep throat. Call any of our eight skilled and experienced pediatric doctors at Western Michigan Pediatrics in Grand Rapids & Jenison, MI, to schedule a same-day sick visit. Sore throats must be checked for strep or complications can arise.
What Is Strep Throat?
Do you become confused by the difference between a strep throat and a simple sore throat? They are different. You may not seek medical attention for your child's sore throat at first as you think it will pass. Listed below is how to tell the difference between the two.
- Viruses cause sore throats. You should see a sore throat lessen within a day or two. As sore throats are usually a symptom of another illness, they just have to run their course. Sore throats are usually accompanied by other symptoms such as itchy, watery eyes, a runny nose, or a cough.
- Strep throat is bacterial and is usually caused by the streptococcus bacteria, and will not go away over time. According to Western Michigan Pediatrics, located in Grand Rapids & Jenison, MI, a sick visit may be needed if there is usually a sudden start to this illness followed most times by pain when swallowing, fever greater than 100 degrees, and swollen lymph nodes on either side of the neck. If you look at the inside of your child's throat, you may see whitish patches on either side of the inside of the throat.
Treatment For Your Child's Throat
Cold fluids, pain medication, throat lozenges or hard candy may soothe the routine sore throat and relieve it until it passes.
If your child has suspected strep throat based on their symptoms, our doctors will run a simple test using a swab from the inside of your child's throat. This test can take 15–30 min and will give you a definitive answer during your visit.
Strep throat typically requires antibiotics to resolve the issue. Strep throat should be promptly treated in children as it can cause complications with other organs such as the heart as they age if strep is left untreated. Amoxicillin is commonly used to treat this condition and your child should show major improvement within 48 hours after starting treatment.
Call the excellent pediatric doctors at Western Michigan Pediatrics in Grand Rapids & Jenison, MI, to schedule your child's sick visit appointment and be on the path to wellness.
- Grand Rapids - 616-949-6112
- Jenison - 616-457-3510
- posted: Oct. 21, 2024
When it is Strep Throat and Not Just a Sore Throat
Your child is getting sick and has developed pain in the throat. You are unsure if your child's sore throat is part of the illness or if they have developed strep throat. Call any of our eight skilled and experienced pediatric doctors at Western Michigan Pediatrics in Grand Rapids & Jenison, MI, to schedule a same-day sick visit. Sore throats must be checked for strep or complications can arise.
What Is Strep Throat?
Do you become confused by the difference between a strep throat and a simple sore throat? They are different. You may not seek medical attention for your child's sore throat at first as you think it will pass. Listed below is how to tell the difference between the two.
- Viruses cause sore throats. You should see a sore throat lessen within a day or two. As sore throats are usually a symptom of another illness, they just have to run their course. Sore throats are usually accompanied by other symptoms such as itchy, watery eyes, a runny nose, or a cough.
- Strep throat is bacterial and is usually caused by the streptococcus bacteria, and will not go away over time. According to Western Michigan Pediatrics, located in Grand Rapids & Jenison, MI, a sick visit may be needed if there is usually a sudden start to this illness followed most times by pain when swallowing, fever greater than 100 degrees, and swollen lymph nodes on either side of the neck. If you look at the inside of your child's throat, you may see whitish patches on either side of the inside of the throat.
Treatment For Your Child's Throat
Cold fluids, pain medication, throat lozenges or hard candy may soothe the routine sore throat and relieve it until it passes.
If your child has suspected strep throat based on their symptoms, our doctors will run a simple test using a swab from the inside of your child's throat. This test can take 15–30 min and will give you a definitive answer during your visit.
Strep throat typically requires antibiotics to resolve the issue. Strep throat should be promptly treated in children as it can cause complications with other organs such as the heart as they age if strep is left untreated. Amoxicillin is commonly used to treat this condition and your child should show major improvement within 48 hours after starting treatment.
Call the excellent pediatric doctors at Western Michigan Pediatrics in Grand Rapids & Jenison, MI, to schedule your child's sick visit appointment and be on the path to wellness.
- Grand Rapids - 616-949-6112
- Jenison - 616-457-3510
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