“It is important for parents to warn their children in time of any sign of discomfort. Before the specialist indicates treatment, it should be verified that the agent causing the pharyngitis is streptococcus, since in most cases the origin is viral,” says Dr. Carlos Carrasco, a pediatrician at our clinic.

What is streptococcal pharyngitis?

It is an infection caused by a group of group A streptococcus bacteria that affects the pharynx and tonsils, causing sore throat among other discomforts. It is most common in children between 5 and 15 years old, although anyone can get it.

How is it transmitted? Strep throat is spread by person-to-person contact with nasal secretions or saliva of an infected person.

What are its symptoms? 

• Symptoms appear 2 to 5 days after contact with streptococcus and include fever, chills, red throat (may be associated with a whitish discharge, painful swallowing and tender swollen glands (glands) in the neck, poor appetite, headache, nausea, abnormal taste sensation and general malaise.
• Some types of group A streptococcus can cause a scarlet fever-like rash, which may begin in the neck and chest and then spread throughout the body.

What tests can diagnose strep throat? 

Specialists can perform a rapid streptococcal test (which may be negative even if the streptococcus is present) or a culture of exudative throat discharge (which is more accurate and may take 1 to 2 days).

Our specialist recommends:

• Comply with the treatment for 10 days, due to the risk of subsequent relapses.
• Keep in mind that complications such as renal disease, peritonsillar abscess, rheumatic fever, scarlet fever and guttate psoriasis may occur.
• Maintain good hand hygiene and separate cutlery.
• Remain in isolation for 48 hours after starting antibiotics. The child should not attend school to avoid contagion.
• Contact your doctor if the child does not show improvement 24 to 48 hours after starting antibiotic treatment.
• Change toothbrush at the end of the treatment.

Dr. Carlos Carrasco
Pediatrician at Clínica Ricardo Palma