$Unique_ID{BRK00062}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Sore Throats and Strep}
$Subject{sore throat strep antibiotic Respiratory System Throats viruses virus
viral antibiotic antibiotics bacterial bacteria bacterium streptococcus
rheumatic fever tonsils swallowing lymph nodes node streptococci infection
infections}
$Volume{H-6, A-6}
$Log{
Tonsilitis*0007400.tid
Symptoms of Influenza and Strep Throat*0008501.scf
Location of the Tonsils*0007401.scf
Visual Symptoms of Tonsillitis*0007402.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Sore Throats and Strep


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QUESTION:  How does the doctor know my kids' sore throats are caused by strep?

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ANSWER:  As you probably know, most sore throats are caused by viruses, and
viruses are not helped by antibiotics.  It is important to identify the
occasional "bacterial" sore throat, which needs antibiotic treatment.  Perhaps
the nastiest bacterial sore throat of all is caused by streptococcus.  If it
is not treated, the end result may be rheumatic fever, which is a disease of
the heart valves.
     Your doctor looks for several signs of strep throat.  These signs include
pus on the tonsils, painful swallowing, and enlargement and tenderness of
lymph nodes in the front part of the neck.  Strep is highly contagious, so
doctors know when it is "going around" and thus more likely to occur.  The
only way, however, to be absolutely certain of the strep throat diagnosis is
to test for the presence of the bacteria.  There are several tests available,
some of which can be performed in the office, giving results within minutes.
If the streptococcus bacteria is causing the sore throat, antibiotics are the
only way to cure it.  When giving the antibiotics, be sure your children take
all of the pills your doctor prescribes.  Don't permit the children to stop
taking them when they begin to feel better--chances are they will fall victim
to the infection again, and it may be harder to control the second time
around.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.