How does the doctor know my kids' sore throats are caused by strep?

ANSWER:  As you probably know, most sore throats are caused by viruses, and
viruses are not helped by antibiotics.  It is important to identify the
occasional "bacterial" sore throat, which needs antibiotic treatment.  Perhaps
the nastiest bacterial sore throat of all is caused by streptococcus.  If it
is not treated, the end result may be rheumatic fever, which is a disease of
the heart valves.
     Your doctor looks for several signs of strep throat.  These signs include
pus on the tonsils, painful swallowing, and enlargement and tenderness of
lymph nodes in the front part of the neck.  Strep is highly contagious, so
doctors know when it is "going around" and thus more likely to occur.  The
only way, however, to be absolutely certain of the strep throat diagnosis is
to test for the presence of the bacteria.  There are several tests available,
some of which can be performed in the office, giving results within minutes.
If the streptococcus bacteria is causing the sore throat, antibiotics are the
only way to cure it.  When giving the antibiotics, be sure your children take
all of the pills your doctor prescribes.  Don't permit the children to stop
taking them when they begin to feel better--chances are they will fall victim
to the infection again, and it may be harder to control the second time
around.