What is a common complication of untreated streptococcal throat infection in children?

A common complication of untreated streptococcal throat infections in children is rheumatic fever. This condition is an inflammatory response that can follow a streptococcal throat infection, particularly if the infection is not properly addressed with appropriate antibiotics. Rheumatic fever can affect multiple body systems, including the heart, joints, skin, and nervous system.

The risk of developing rheumatic fever increases when the initial infection is allowed to progress without medical intervention. This condition can lead to severe complications like rheumatic heart disease, which affects heart valves and can result in long-term health issues.

Focusing on the other options, while scarlet fever can occur as a result of streptococcal throat infections, it is a direct manifestation of the infection and not considered a long-term complication in the same sense as rheumatic fever. Chronic bronchitis and acute otitis media are not directly linked to streptococcal infections; they are conditions more associated with other respiratory infections or factors. Thus, rheumatic fever is specifically important as a significant and serious consequence of untreated strep throat.