Esther Z., 3

Esther is a three-year-old girl attending preschool. She loves to play, and her favorite dishes are rice and beans, as well as candies. She enjoys going to school where she often dances and sings. Her dream is to become a teacher. Two days ago, Esther started experiencing a fever and a cough.

Esther was brought to the hospital by her mother. She said that Esther had a running nose, fever, and a cough that had started two days earlier. Upon examination, Esther appeared unwell and had a high fever of 39.9°C. However, the chest examination was clear, and the heartbeat was normal. Laboratory test was done to rule out malaria since the area Esther lives in is prone to malaria. Based on the findings, the doctor determined that the patient had severe pharyngitis and needed treatment. To help the patient recover, antibiotics were prescribed for three days. Since the patient was in a stable condition they were allowed to go home with instructions on how to take the medication and manage the symptoms. Esther's mum was also advised that Esther should rest, stay hydrated, and return if their condition worsened. Esther is doing well, a volunteer paid her a visit at their home and found her up and about, playing, and of perfect health.

If left untreated or if the immune system is weakened, the infection can sometimes spread to other parts of the respiratory tract, causing conditions like bronchitis or pneumonia. Untreated strep throat can lead also to many potential complications. Bacterial pharyngitis, specifically strep throat, is typically treated with antibiotics, such as penicillin or amoxicillin.