Strep Throat Specialist
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Smita Tandon, MD
Pediatrician located in Fountain Valley, CA
When a persistent, painful sore throat is affecting your child’s daily activities or sleep, they may have a serious infection known as strep throat. At her pediatric practice in Fountain Valley, California, Smita Tandon, MD, and her experienced team offer in-office diagnostics and treatment options to alleviate the symptoms of strep throat and prevent its spread to others. To schedule a strep throat test for your child, call the office directly or use the online booking feature to set up an appointment time.
Strep Throat
What is strep throat?
Strep throat is a highly contagious infection that develops due to streptococcus bacteria. The condition causes a painful sore throat and swelling in the neck glands and may produce a fever.
A hallmark of the condition is the development of red and white patches at the back of the throat. A child with strep throat may also experience:
- Headache
- Back pain
- Difficulties swallowing
- Loss of appetite
Children who are in daycare or school are especially at risk for strep throat because the condition can easily be spread through sneezes, coughs, and touching infected objects.
It’s important to have your child tested for strep throat, so treatment can begin quickly. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body and cause long-term health complications, including heart damage, kidney disease, or infections in the blood.
What is the procedure for diagnosing strep throat?
If your child’s sore throat lasts for several days without relief or you notice white or red patches at the back of their throat, schedule a strep test as soon as possible. You should also keep your child home from school or other social activities until you receive a diagnosis.
Dr. Tandon offers convenient, in-office strep tests. She carefully swabs the back of your child’s throat to collect samples of fluids. You can expect results in just a few minutes.
If the strep test is negative, Dr. Tandon may still send the test to a medical lab for further evaluation to ensure the test is accurate.
If your child tests positive for strep, Dr. Tandon creates a custom treatment plan with the goal of resolving symptoms and eliminating the risk of your child spreading the infection.
What treatment options are available for strep throat?
Because strep throat develops due to a bacterial infection, Dr. Tandon can use antibiotics to clear the infection. It may take a day or two for your child to start feeling better after starting treatment. It’s important they finish the complete course of antibiotics Dr. Tandon recommends or the infection can come back.
Your child should also get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated. Cold ice pops can ease throat pain and make it easier to swallow. Avoid acidic foods and drinks that can cause more irritation in the throat.
If you suspect your child has strep throat, don’t delay a diagnosis. Schedule a strep test online or by calling the office today.
