Sore throat is a common infectious disease which in most cases, is not a disease itself but a sign of other illnesses like flu, cold, or mononucleosis. A sore throat may also be caused by strep throat in children, but it is rare in most cases.
This article will have a deep look at the basics of sore throat and strep throat in children.
Symptoms of Sore throat:
There are many types of sore throat, depending upon the severity and location of infection. Some types of sore throats result from bacterial infection, whereas some may be due to viral infection. So, symptoms may vary. However, there are a few common signs which could be helpful for the early diagnosis of sore throat, which includes pain and scratchy sensation in the throat and difficulty in swallowing. A sore throat may cause fever in patients. But sore throat without fever may also be seen in the patients.
Sore throat in children with fever:
Sore throat is a sensation of pain in the throat of a person suffering from such infections, mainly causing redness and swelling of the throat. Although sore throat can happen in both children and adults, commonly, children are exposed to this infectious disease due to a poorly developed immune system.
Infections like the common cold frequently result in sore throats. This may lead to a painful, scratchy throat. Also, it may also lead to a runny nose and cough. A virus or a bacteria can cause a sore throat. Therefore, antibiotics could only be effective if they may be due to bacterial infection. Children sometimes get fever after a little sore throat. Sore throats due to common colds often get better without medicines on their own in 7 to 10 days. However, using plenty of warm fluids and tablets may be proven effective in boosting the healing process.
Sore throat in children without fever:
Sometimes, there are some instances in which the patient develops a sore throat without fever. But in such conditions, diagnosing sore throat could be done by looking towards other signs and symptoms. Some of them are listed below:
- Swelling of tonsils is the primary sign which could be proven to check sore throats.
- There exist several cases in which white spots can also be seen on those swollen tonsils. These white tonsils may be filled with pus.
- Such an infection may also cause swelling in the lymph nodes. These could be visible near neck region.
What is Strep throat?
Most people often confuse sore throat with strep throat because most of the symptoms of these may be the same. At the same time, sore throat may be bacterial or viral (about 90% of which is viral). Streptococcus bacteria cause strep throat. Strep throat may worsen after one or two days, but fortunately, it is easy to treat, but if untreated, it may lead to severe complications.
The scientific name for strep throat is ‘ pharyngitis.’ However, Strep bacteria may also cause tonsillitis.
Strep throat in toddlers under 2:
Strep throat can be occurred at any time of age, even at babyhood. However, it is most common in children ranging from 5 to 15 years of age, probably due to daily contact with many other children. It is difficult to predict whether a toddler is suffering from strep throat or not. Moreover, a runny nose or cough may also not be seen in the case of strep throat since these problems are related to viral attacks. Therefore, you must have some basic knowledge of these problems related to strep throat.
- The child may have his throat become bright red which could be seen by using light.
- The child may also get a scarlet fever (red, sandpaper-like rash)
- Pain may also worsen during swallowing.
- As a child of age two cannot complain about the pain, it may start crying during feeding.
Home remedies for strep throat:
Some medications could be suggested to prevent or cure strep throat.
- Ibuprofen or naproxen can ease pain.
- These may also help to limit inflammation.
- Apple cider vinegar is useful as an antimicrobial gargle when diluted in water.
- Using lozenges can reduce the pain from strep throat.
- Throat sprays may also provide short-term relief.
Relation of Sore throat and COVID-19:
Sore throat is somehow related to Covid-19. According to research, about 5-10% of isolated people may acquire a sore throat. But other symptoms such as loss of taste and smell, difficulty in breathing, etc., could also be seen to predict the possibility of Coronavirus infection.
FAQs
Strep throat is considered a symptom, but dry air, allergies, or acid reflux may cause strep throat.
Yes, in most cases, it is seen that strep throat could be cured on its own in 7 to 10 days. However, if it does not heal on its own, you must consult your physician.
Strep throat is caused by ‘group A Streptococcus,’ therefore, it is highly contagious and can be spread easily through droplets when someone coughs or sneezes.
Typically, strep throat can be treated easily. However, in some cases, if left untreated, it may result in serious complications such as meningitis, pneumonia, rheumatic fever, etc.
Conclusion:
Children are susceptible. Such problems can be difficult to bear for them and the parents at the same time. There is a need for instant care in such issues. It would be best if you went to the Marham.pk to consult the best doctors and experts. They have a big team of child specialists from all over Pakistan.
Apart from that, if you are interested to know about How to Heal Generational Trauma in Your Family then visit our Health category.
