What is a potential complication of untreated strep throat in children?

Untreated strep throat can lead to several complications, one of the most serious being rheumatic fever. This is an inflammatory disease that can develop after an infection with group A Streptococcus bacteria, which causes strep throat. If the throat infection is not treated with appropriate antibiotics, the body's immune response can mistakenly target healthy tissues, especially in the heart, joints, skin, and brain, leading to the symptoms of rheumatic fever.

Rheumatic fever can result in long-term damage, particularly to the heart valves, which may lead to rheumatic heart disease. It can also cause serious complications such as arthritis and neurological issues like Sydenham chorea. Early recognition and treatment of strep throat with antibiotics greatly reduce the risk of developing rheumatic fever, making it crucial for healthcare providers and caregivers to be vigilant about symptoms and treatment.

The other options presented do not have the same connection to untreated strep throat. Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that can be influenced by various factors but is not a direct complication of strep throat. Croup is primarily caused by viral infections, not bacterial infections like strep throat, while allergic rhinitis is an immune response to allergens, which is unrelated to bacterial throat infections.