If your child is cranky and complaining of a sore throat, it may be time to take them to the pediatrician, especially since it’s strep throat season. Leitchfield Pediatric Clinic, PSC, in Kentucky, commonly treats little ones during late summer and early fall, when the back to school rush leads to the spread of the illness. If your child has symptoms, it is important they see a doctor right away to prevent spreading the disease.

The providers recommend you take the following steps if you’re worried your kid is showing signs of more than a cold: 

1. Evaluate Their Symptoms 

Look for red and white patches in the back of their throat, a hallmark symptom of the illness. You should also keep an eye out for difficulty while swallowing, fever, enlarged tonsils, and swollen lymph nodes. Children who complain of nausea or a stomachache along with their sore throat are also likely to be diagnosed with strep. 

2. Call Your Pediatrician 

If your child has one or more of the symptoms above, call your pediatric clinic to make an appointment, as he or she will need antibiotics to get well. When you arrive at the doctor’s office, your pediatrician will evaluate their symptoms and take a swab sample to test for the illness. If they have strep throat, they will receive a prescription. 

3. Keep Them Comfortable 

While you are waiting to receive pediatric care, help make your child comfortable by letting them rest, and ensure they drink plenty of fluids. You can use a humidifier in their room to help keep their throat moist. Also, lozenges for kids over four, numbing sprays, and hot tea provide added relief. 

If you suspect your child suffers from strep throat, the caring pediatricians at Leitchfield Pediatric Clinic, PSC, have extensive experience diagnosing and treating various illnesses, and they have an on-call team to handle emergencies at any hour. Call (270) 259-5641 to speak with a member of their staff, or for information about their services and providers, visit their website.