Dear Dr. Lindeman,
My daughter has a sore throat. How do I tell if it is strep throat?
Not all sore throats are caused by the bacterium that causes strep throat (Group A Streptococcus). Other causes include:
- Infections with non-strep bacteria
- Infections with a virus
- Mononucleosis (mono)
- Allergies
- Mouth breathing during sleep, especially during colds
Strep throat is the only throat infection that is routinely treated with antibiotics. This is because strep throat causes rare complications such as rheumatic fever.
In our office we perform strep throat tests to determine which children need to be treated with antibiotics. Rheumatic fever almost never occurs until the strep infection has lasted over a week. Therefore you don't need to bring your child to the doctor in the first few days of the sore throat.
Home Treatment
- Have your child get rest and plenty of fluids to drink. Avoid acidic fluids like orange juice. These can irritate the throat.
- You can use acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Do not give your child aspirin
- Have older children gargle with warm salt water (one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water).
- Keep your child away from cigarette smoke.
- Let your child eat ice chips, ice cream, or ice pops.
Call us immediately at 508-655-9699 if
- Your child develops trouble breathing or speaking
- Your child develops red or sore joints
- Your child develops neck pain or stiffness
- Your child develops uncontrollable drooling
- The throat pain gets steadily worse
Call during call-hour at 508-655-9699 if
- Your child develops a sunburned-appearing rash
- Fever lasts longer than 3 days
Lincoln Medical Building
61 Lincoln Street, Suite 210
Framingham, MA 01702
(508) 655-9699
(508) 655-2984 fax
Updated: 5/22/03
