With over three million cases of strep throat each year in the United States, it’s important to know how to spot the first signs of strep throat. It’s common for strep throat to be mistaken as a sore throat among young children and older adults. Keep reading to learn how to tell the difference:
Strep Throat vs. a Sore Throat
Strep throat is an infection caused by streptococcus bacteria which can cause tonsillitis, as well. This illness should be treated right away to ensure other illnesses don’t surface such as rheumatic fever. If you notice the following strep throat symptoms, it’s important to contact a doctor right away for diagnosis and treatment:
- High fever
- Fast onset of a sore throat
- Loss of appetite
- Painful swallowing
- White spots on red, inflamed tonsils
A sore throat, accompanied with sneezing and lack of energy, is often a symptom of the common cold. With the right medicine, symptoms of the common cold can quickly disappear and won’t cause further illnesses. If the sore throat is not attributed to the common cold, it may be caused by certain pollutants in the air that are triggering the scratchy, sore feeling (i.e. smoke, dust, or mold spores).
How ENT Savannah Can Help
The ENT Savannah doctors can quickly test for strep by swabbing the back of your child’s throat for streptococcus bacteria. If it comes back positive, your doctor can prescribe certain medication to fight the infection and help your child feel better within a few days.
Other ways you can help your child with their recovery is by feeding them soft foods that won’t upset their throat, keeping them hydrated with plenty of water, using a cool-mist humidifier, and making sure they get plenty of rest.
If you have any questions or suspect your child has strep throat, don’t hesitate to call us right away: 912-351-3030.