Hi, may I answer your health queries right now ? Please type your query here... My 4yr old daughter has strep throat. she had a shot at the ER thursday aftrnoon. Tonight her cough is so bad its gagging her and she can t lay down. Is she getting worse or is this to be expected? I m worried!
Hi.... usually severe cough is suggestive of viral pharyngitis rather than streptococcal sore throat. I suggest you see your pediatrician and get a rapid streptococcal antigen test done. If it is positive then she will require antibiotics. If it is negative then it might be viral illness and doesn't require antibiotics at all. Cough and cold are viral 95% of the times in child Chat Doctor.  For cold, you can use anti-allergics like cetirizine and for nose block, saline nasal decongestants will do. Regards -