When your child wakes up with a sore throat, fever, or difficulty swallowing, your first instinct might be to worry — and rightfully so. One simple test, however, can offer clarity and quick answers: the throat swab.
When you bring your unwell child to Northeast Pediatric Associates PA for a sick visit, our pediatric team uses this common diagnostic tool to check for bacterial or viral infections, which helps us determine the best course of treatment.
A throat swab is a quick, painless test in which one of our healthcare professionals gently rubs a cotton-tipped swab across the back of your child’s throat and tonsils. Though it may cause a brief tickle or gag reflex, it only takes a few seconds. The collected sample is then tested for the presence of bacteria or viruses.
We perform a throat swab to test for group A streptococcus, which is the bacteria responsible for strep throat — a common and contagious infection in children. Strep throat can cause a variety of symptoms, including severe sore throat, fever, headache, and swollen lymph nodes. Barring treatment, it can lead to complications such as rheumatic fever or kidney issues.
Our team can perform a rapid strep test that can offer results in minutes. If the test is negative but symptoms persist, we may need to send a throat culture to the lab, which takes a day or two but provides more accurate results. This helps us decide whether your child needs antibiotics or whether we simply let the illness run its course.
A simple throat swab can ensure that your child gets the right treatment quickly. If the infection is bacterial, antibiotics can relieve symptoms faster and prevent spreading it to others. If it’s viral, you can avoid unnecessary medication and focus on supportive care, like rest and fluids.
If your child has a sore throat lasting more than 48 hours, a high fever, difficulty swallowing, or white patches on their tonsils, it’s a good idea to schedule a visit with our pediatric team. A throat swab could be the first step to helping them feel better while giving you peace of mind.
The bottom line is this: A throat swab is a small test with a huge impact. It gives us the insight to treat your child effectively and keep their health on track.
If your child is running a fever or complaining about a sore throat, we can accurately diagnose your child and help them get well. Book an appointment now by clicking here. For your convenience, our team has offices in Northeast San Antonio, North Central San Antonio, Schertz, Bulverde, and Castroville, Texas.
