Looking for pediatric sore throat or strep throat care in Corpus Christi? If your child has throat pain, difficulty swallowing, fever, or swollen tonsils, schedule a pediatric evaluation with Dr. Balasundari Krishnan at DFW Physicians Medical Associates (DFWPMA).
Dr. Krishnan provides pediatric sick visits, throat examinations, and evaluations for possible bacterial or viral infections.
Whether your child has a persistent sore throat or symptoms suggesting strep throat, DFWPMA helps Corpus Christi families determine the appropriate next steps.
Book an appointment online or call (361) 462-4159 to contact our Corpus Christi location.
Dr. Krishnan accepts Medicaid and many major insurance plans. Not sure if your plan is accepted?
Call (361) 462-4159 and our team can help verify coverage.
Dr. Balasundari Krishnan is a board-certified pediatrician with residency training at Driscoll Children’s Hospital and experience caring for newborns, children, and adolescents through age 18.
At DFWPMA in Corpus Christi, Dr. Krishnan evaluates childhood illnesses, including sore throats, fever, respiratory symptoms, and suspected infections, to help families understand their child’s condition and treatment options.
Reasons to choose Dr. Krishnan include:
A pediatric sore throat evaluation helps determine whether throat pain is associated with a viral infection, group A streptococcal infection, or another condition requiring medical attention.
The examination and testing recommendations depend on your child’s age, symptoms, and medical history. Depending on your child’s needs, an appointment with Dr. Krishnan may include:
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) explains that suspected strep throat should be confirmed through appropriate testing rather than diagnosed from throat appearance alone.
Source: AAP — Strep Throat, Sore Throat or Tonsillitis: What’s the Difference?
A sore throat is pain or irritation involving the throat, commonly caused by a viral infection. Strep throat is a specific bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus that requires appropriate antibiotic treatment when confirmed.
Although both conditions can cause throat pain, their symptoms and treatments differ.
Strep throat is most common in school-aged children, particularly ages 5 to 15, and is uncommon in children younger than 3. Symptoms alone cannot reliably confirm the infection.
Source: AAP — Group A Streptococcal Infections
Strep throat in children commonly causes sudden throat pain, fever, and painful swallowing. Some children also experience headache, abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting.
Symptoms that may suggest strep throat include:
Coughing, runny nose, hoarseness, and red eyes are more suggestive of a viral infection than strep throat. A pediatric evaluation helps determine whether diagnostic testing is necessary.
Parents should contact a pediatrician when a child has a persistent sore throat, fever with swollen neck glands, suspected strep exposure, or symptoms that interfere with drinking and everyday activities.
Schedule an evaluation when throat pain lasts more than 48 hours without cold symptoms, fever persists, or your child develops worsening discomfort.
Seek urgent medical attention if your child has difficulty swallowing fluids, signs of dehydration, a stiff neck, or appears seriously ill. Severe breathing difficulty requires emergency care, and new drooling with inability to swallow fluids warrants immediate emergency evaluation.
Dr. Krishnan provides pediatric sick visits in Corpus Christi to evaluate concerning symptoms and determine appropriate next steps.
Source: AAP — When to Seek Care for a Sore Throat
Timely evaluation of suspected strep throat helps identify children who need antibiotic treatment and prevents unnecessary antibiotic use when a viral infection is responsible.
Confirmed group A strep infections are treated with antibiotics to address the infection and reduce the risk of complications.
Benefits of appropriate evaluation include:
Untreated strep throat can occasionally lead to complications, including infection spreading to surrounding tissues or post-infectious inflammatory conditions. These complications are uncommon, but appropriate diagnosis and treatment remain important.
Source: AAP — Group A Streptococcal Infections
Confirmed strep throat is treated with prescription antibiotics, commonly penicillin or amoxicillin. Viral sore throats do not require antibiotics and are generally managed with supportive care.
Depending on the diagnosis, pediatric care may include:
Children with confirmed strep throat can generally return to school or childcare when they are fever-free, feel well enough to participate, and have received an appropriate antibiotic for at least 12 hours, consistent with their pediatrician’s guidance and applicable school policies.
Source: AAP — Strep Throat Treatment and Recovery
DFW Physicians Medical Associates provides pediatric sick visits for children experiencing sore throats, fever, swallowing discomfort, and other symptoms of childhood infections.
Dr. Balasundari Krishnan evaluates your child’s symptoms, recommends appropriate testing when indicated, and develops a treatment plan based on the clinical findings.
Whether your child has a persistent sore throat or possible strep infection, DFWPMA welcomes new pediatric patients in Corpus Christi.
Looking for pediatric sore throat or strep throat care in Corpus Christi? Call (361) 462-4159 or book an appointment online.
