What is a serious consequence of untreated streptococcal throat infection in children?

A serious consequence of untreated streptococcal throat infection in children is rheumatic fever. This condition can develop when the body's immune response to the streptococcal bacteria mistakenly attacks its own tissues, particularly affecting the heart, joints, skin, and nervous system. The inflammation of the heart can lead to serious complications such as rheumatic heart disease, which can cause long-term heart damage.

Other options, while related to infections, are not direct complications stemming from untreated strep throat. Bronchitis and pneumonia are respiratory issues that can occur due to various infectious agents and may follow a viral illness or other respiratory infections, but they are not specific consequences of streptococcal throat infection. Scarlet fever is another manifestation of streptococcal infection but is a condition characterized by a rash and does not have the same long-term implications as rheumatic fever. Therefore, identifying rheumatic fever as a consequence emphasizes the importance of timely treatment for streptococcal infections to prevent serious complications.