Strep Throat
Posted by Kurt Wilde
(Photo Source:stockindexonline)
Strep throat is an inflammation of the throat caused by the stretococcus bacteria. These are usually contagious and can be contracted when a person sneezes or coughs, or through food and water. In more serious cases, strep throat can lead to rheumatic fever, scarlet fever, or a kidney problem called glomerulonephritis. Children from 5 to 15 years old are usually susceptible to strep throat. A child with strep throat will usually complain of headaches and will vomit before the throat pain sets in. Fever might also be present and the child will manifest swollen glands at the side of the neck. Strep throat is usually treated by antibiotics but a swab test will be taken to determine if the child really has strep throat (a bacterial infection) or a virus.