Toddler Strep Throat Symptoms, Reasons & Treatment

Signs & Causes Of Strep Throat In Toddlers

Strep throat affects people of all age groups; however, it is often more difficult to discern strep infections in toddlers. Strep is caused by a group of streptococcus bacteria. These spherical gram-positive bacteria occur in pairs or chains and are the cause of scarlet fever and tonsillitis.

However, strep throat is different from sore throat or tonsillitis. The symptoms of strep throat in a toddler vary according to the age of the child. Strep throat symptoms in a toddler below the age of one include a thick nasal discharge, sometimes this could be greenish or yellow in color.

Conditions During Strep Throat in Toddlers

If the child is not interested in eating or is constantly clutching his or her throat, check under the jaw line for swollen lymph nodes or glands. Ask the child to open his or her mouth and check for white spots at the back of the tongue. White spots indicate bacterial build up, indicative of a strep infection. Find out if the child is having difficulty swallowing or experiencing pain in the throat. Irritability is another sign that the child is suffering some kind of pain and discomfort. Also check whether the child is running a fever. Fever accompanied by swollen tonsils and white spots at the back of the throat are signs of strep throat. Other symptoms of a strep infection include chest or nasal congestion. Look out for a leaky nose or a cough.

Nausea, tiredness, diarrhea, vomiting are other signs to watch out for. See also toddler bronchitis

Treatment for Strep Throat in Toddlers

Strep throat needs immediate medical attention because if left untreated it can lead to rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation. If the doctor diagnoses strep, make sure to give the prescribed medication accurately and at the proper time. An inaccurate dosage will cause the infection to return or get worse. The treatment for strep is normally a course of antibiotics; the child may get some respite within 24 hours of taking the medicines and after about three days, the child may feel and appear normal. However, be sure to continue the complete course of medication. Also ensure that the child gets enough rest. Keep the child warm, but prevent overheating. Since the child finds it difficult to swallow, prepare slurpees, smoothies, and soups. Make sure the child drinks enough water. Replace the child's toothbrush two days after the child has been taking antibiotics.