Streptococcal infection in children

Streptococcal infection in children, despite the name, is quite common among throat infections that cause pharyngitis. Streptococci are bacteria of group A, microorganisms that cause throat infections among children between the ages of 5 and 15, although adults or children under that age are not fre

Streptococcal infection in children, despite the name, is quite common among throat infections that cause pharyngitis.

Streptococci are bacteria of group A, microorganisms that cause throat infections among children between the ages of 5 and 15, although adults or children under that age are not free from this type of infection either.

Symptoms of streptococcal infection

The symptoms of streptococcal tonsillitis are very varied and usually appear between two and five days after having been in contact with the bacteria.

The most common symptoms are fever, chills, red throat, pain when swallowing and swollen neck nodes, but may also appear inappetence at the time of eating, headache, nausea and feeling of general indisposition.

It also depends on the strain, the streptococcal infection can cause a rash similar to scarlet fever and even cause symptoms of ear infection.

Treatment of streptococcal infection in children

The majority of sore throats are usually caused by viruses, but streptococcal infection is caused by bacteria, so once diagnosed, antibiotics, penicillin, should be used. or amoxicillin for about ten days, to kill the bacteria.

In addition to antibiotic treatment, which will be prescribed by the doctor, there are a number of tips that can be carried out to combat strep throat caused by streptococci such as drinking hot liquids with citrus fruits, such as tea with honey and lemon, Gargle several times a day with warm water and salt, drink cold liquids or ice cream, use a humidifier at home, suck on sweets or throat lozenges, and, in the last resort, use analgesics to relieve pain.

Diego Fernández. Editor of Guiainfantil.com