Strep Throat: Secret Symptoms You Should Know About

When your child tells you their throat hurts, you likely cycle through the potential causes so you can help them feel better. While post-nasal drip can cause a sore throat, you likely also ponder the possibility that your child has strep. You may be surprised to learn that strep throat often rears its ugly head with more symptoms than just a sore throat.

Strep throat is a common and contagious bacterial infection that causes inflammation and pain in the throat. It is most common in children ages 5 to 15. While having a sore throat is the most common symptom, the best way to rule out a cold or other issue is to look at all your child’s symptoms. 

Common Symptoms of Strep Throat:

• Sore throat: This is the most apparent symptom, often described as a severe and scratchy throat.
• Fever: Often high-grade, usually above 101°F. Low-grade fevers or no fever often accompany a cold.
• Swollen lymph nodes: The lymph nodes in the neck may become swollen and tender.
• Headache
• Difficulty swallowing
• Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth
• Red or white streaks in the throat

Less Obvious (Yet Still Important) Symptoms: 

1. Gastrointestinal issues. Many parents and caregivers are surprised to learn that strep throat can cause issues like stomach ache, nausea, and vomiting. 
2. Red rash on the body. In some cases, strep throat can cause a skin rash, such as scarlet fever. This rash usually looks like sunburn and feels like sandpaper. 
3. Refusal to eat or drink. If your child suddenly refuses to eat or drink, it could be a sign that their throat is pretty painful. Pedialyte ice pops can be a great way to keep them hydrated while helping numb the pain they’re experiencing.
4. Fussiness. If your child is more fussy than usual and doesn’t want to play, they may have strep throat. It is hard to turn down fun when you’re a kid unless something more serious is going on, making them feel bad.

How is Strep Throat Diagnosed? 

To find out if your child has strep, their pediatric provider will need to do a rapid strep test or a culture, which involves swabbing the back of their throat to capture a sample of the potential bacteria. If the test comes back positive, your child will be prescribed antibiotics. Your child must stay home from school for 24 hours after beginning antibiotics to ensure they are no longer contagious to others. 

Only around 30 percent of sore throats are caused by strep, so If their test comes back negative, it could be a viral infection, which is not treatable with antibiotics and will just need to run its course. 

Fun fact: A cough does not typically accompany strep throat. So, if your child is coughing and complaining of a sore throat, they are more likely to have a cold. 

If you have concerns that your child may have strep throat, call our office and make an appointment or book a sick walk-in appointment early in the morning you want your child to be seen.