Pediatrics Common Questions, Quick Answers

Strep Throat/Strep Tonsillitis
(Streptococcal Pharyngitis)

Donna D'Alessandro, M.D.
Lindsay Huth, B.A.
Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed
Creation Date: December 2002
Last Revision Date: April 2002

Common Questions, Quick Answers

• What causes strep throat?
• Who can get strep throat?
• What are the symptoms of strep throat?
• Is strep throat contagious?
• How is strep throat treated?
• How long does strep throat last?
• Can strep throat be prevented?
• When should I call the doctor?

What causes strep throat?

• Strep throat is a throat infection caused by bacteria called streptococcus.

Who can get strep throat?

• Getting strep throat is common for school-age children and children in daycare.
• Strep throat is common in the winter months.

What are the symptoms of strep throat?

• Strep throat can cause a sore throat or a tickling feeling in the throat.
• Strep throat can cause pain when swallowing and bad breath.
• Strep throat can cause a fever, headache, earache, or stomachache.
• The tonsils may be swollen and bright red. Neck glands could be swollen.
• There might be yellow or white spots of pus on the back of the throat.
• The roof of the mouth may be red or have red spots.
• Infants may have a runny nose, crusty nose, and little appetite.

Is strep throat contagious?

• Yes. Strep throat is contagious.
• Strep bacteria are spread through coughing, sneezing, and direct contact.
• Children with strep throat are contagious until 24 hours after their first dose of antibiotics.

How is strep throat treated?

• The doctor will take a throat culture, a painless swab of the throat, to see if your child has strep.
• Test results will come back in 1 or 2 days.
• If the doctor uses a rapid strep test, it will take about 10 minutes to get results.
• Strep throat is treated with antibiotics (usually penicillin) taken by shot or mouth.
• Antibiotics taken by mouth have to be taken for a full 10 days to clear the infection.
• Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol, Panadol, or Liquiprin) or Ibuprofen can be given to ease aches, pain, and fever.
• Throat lozenges, hard candy, cool drinks, and ice cream can help ease throat pain.
• Your child should drink lots of fluids. Avoid acidic juices (orange juice) and spicy food.
• Older children can drink tea with honey or gargle warm salt water (one teaspoon of table salt in one cup water) to ease throat pain.
• A cool mist humidifier or a warm, damp towel can help throat pain and swollen glands.

How long does strep throat last?

• When strep throat is treated, pain lasts 1 to 3 days.
• Children can return to school or daycare 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment and if their temperature and energy are normal.

Can strep throat be prevented?

• You can prevent the spread of infection by washing dishes and glasses in hot soapy water.
• Wash your hands often, especially after caring for the sick person.
• Avoid close contact with the infected person.

When should I call the doctor?

• Go to the emergency room if your child has a hard time breathing, swallowing, or keeps drooling.
• Call the doctor if your child has a fever over 104 degrees F (or 40 degrees C) or a fever that lasts for many days.
• Call the doctor if your child can't open her mouth or drink liquids.
• Call the doctor if your child has joint pain or is very weak.
• Call the doctor if your child has a rash, earache, or glands that are swollen, red, or tender.

Quick Answers

• Strep throat is a throat infection caused by bacteria.
• Getting strep throat is common for school-age children and children in daycare.
• Strep throat can cause a sore throat, fever, headache, earache, and pain when swallowing.
• Strep bacteria are spread through coughing, sneezing, and direct contact.
• Strep throat is treated with antibiotics.
• Children can return to school or daycare 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment.
• One way to prevent the spread of infection is to wash hands and dishes with hot soapy water.
• Call the doctor if your child has a rash, earache, or glands that are swollen, red, or tender.

References

• Casano, PJ. M.D. Sore Throats: Causes and Cures. American Academy of Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery Public Service Brochure. (cited 2001 July 27). Available from: URL: http://www.sinuscarecenter.com/throaaao.html
• Marsocci SM, M.D., Pichichero ME M.D. Streptococcal Pharyngitis (Strep Throat, Strep Tonsillitis). Pediatric Infectious Diseases Journal 1992-2001 (cited 2001 July 27). URL: http://www.vh.org/Patients/IHB/Peds/Infectious/Strep.html
• Rutherford K M.D. KidsHealth. Strep Throat (Group A Streptococci Infections). 2001 May (cited 2001 July 27). URL: http://www.kidshealth.org/pageManager.jsp?dn=KidsHealth&lic=1&ps=107&cat_id=&article_set=941

See related Patient Topics Ear, Nose and Throat, Infections, Streptococcal Infections or Throat Disorders.

See related Provider Topics Ear, Nose and Throat, Infections or Throat Disorders.

All contents copyright © 1992-2004 the Author(s) and The University of Iowa. All rights reserved.

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