Streptococci: symptoms in children and treatment

Children become infected with streptococcal droplets. An infection should be treated as quickly as possible so that there are no secondary diseases.

Streptococci: These are symptoms that children have when they are infected

Streptococci are bacteria that occur naturally in humans in the mouth and throat, in the intestine and in the female genital area. However, some strains of streptococci are pathogenic.

• There are different types of streptococci. These are differentiated according to different criteria. Of particular importance is the Lancefield classification, which divides streptococcal species into groups of AQ.
• Group A streptococci are particularly common in children. They are transmitted by droplet infection, i.e. by coughing or sneezing.
• Children usually become infected with the bacteria in school or kindergarten. There they come together with other children who already carry the pathogen. But parents and siblings can also pass on the bacteria.
• Children are most often infected in the cold season. This is because their immune systems are often weakened by the weather and other infections. Streptococci are then easy.
• Note : If someone around you or your child suffers from a streptococcal infection, you should be careful about possible symptoms in your child.
• The following symptoms indicate infection with group A streptococci: difficulty swallowing, sore throat, gastrointestinal problems, fever, swollen lymph nodes and ear pain.
• Important: The above symptoms not only fit a streptococcal infection, but also, for example, a flu-like infection. If you suspect streptococci, you should always consult a pediatrician. You will receive a clear diagnosis there.
• Group A streptococci can cause the following diseases, among others: throat infections, tonsillitis, erysipelas and scarlet fever.

Treatment of streptococcal infection

If the infection is treated early, the risk of a complications is very low.

• If the infection is not treated, serious complications can occur after a few weeks. The heart and kidneys are particularly at risk.
• Depending on the severity of the infection, streptococci are usually treated with antibiotics. Ultimately, however, the individual clinical picture decides which drug is best suited.
• Tip : Arrange a follow-up visit with your pediatrician after treatment. In this way, you can be absolutely certain that your child will not experience any complications.

Tonsillitis and scarlet fever are considered teething troubles. So also measles, mumps and rubella, against which you can have your child vaccinated. You can read when a measles, mumps and rubella vaccination makes sense in the next article.