How are Bacterial Infections Diagnosed in Children?
Diagnosing bacterial infections in children involves a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory tests. Pediatricians may use:
- Blood cultures: To identify the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream. - Throat swabs: For detecting pathogens like Group A Streptococcus in cases of sore throat. - Urine tests: To diagnose urinary tract infections. - Chest X-rays: To identify pneumonia caused by bacterial pathogens.