Strep throat is a bacterial infection that requires prompt treatment, particularly in children over the age of 3. If left untreated, strep throat can lead to complications such as kidney inflammation, rheumatic fever, abscesses near the tonsils, and sinus infections. Rheumatic fever is a serious illness that can cause stroke and permanent damage to the heart. It can lead to painful and inflamed joints, a specific type of rash, or heart valve damage. Fortunately, strep throat can be easily diagnosed with a simple throat culture, and promptly treated with a course of antibiotics. If your child’s test comes back positive for strep, antibiotic treatment is required to prevent rare but serious complications, including rheumatic fever.

Here are some of the potential complications of untreated strep throat:

• Kidney inflammation
• Rheumatic fever
• Abscesses near the tonsils
• Sinus infections
• Ear infections
• Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis
• Necrotizing fasciitis (infection of tissue underneath the skin)
• Blood infections
• Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (a rare, life-threatening condition that can cause organ failure)

If you or your child has signs or symptoms of strep throat, see your doctor for prompt testing and treatment.