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Sub-Category:

Strep Throat

Specialty: Pediatrics

Sub-category: Common Pediatric Infections

Symptoms:
sore throat; painful swallowing; fever; swollen tonsils; white patches or streaks on the tonsils; swollen lymph nodes; headache; nausea or vomiting (in children)

Root Cause:
Bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Rapid antigen detection test (RADT); throat culture for confirmation.

Treatment:
Antibiotic therapy to reduce symptoms and prevent complications, along with supportive care for symptom relief.

Medications:
Penicillin or amoxicillin (beta-lactam antibiotics) are the first-line treatments. In penicillin-allergic individuals, macrolides (e.g., azithromycin ) or cephalosporins may be prescribed.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in school-aged children; peaks during late fall and early spring.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Close contact with infected individuals, crowded environments (e.g., schools), young age (5–15 years).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with prompt treatment; symptoms typically resolve within 3–5 days.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Rheumatic fever, post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, peritonsillar abscess, or scarlet fever.