Sore Throat

Sore throat (pharyngitis) involves pain, discomfort, or a raw feeling in the throat, especially with swallowing. Children under age 2 usually are unable to complain about a sore throat and may refuse to eat or drink or cry during feedings.

Most sore throats are part of a cold and therefore are caused by viruses. The presence of a cough, hoarseness, or nasal symptoms usually means a viral infection. 20% of severe sore throats are caused by strep bacteria.

Treatment

Local pain relief:
- Children older than age 1 can sip warm chicken broth or apple juice.
- Children older than age 4 can suck on hard candy or lollipops.
- Children older than age 6 can gargle warm water with a little table salt.
Pain medication:
- Give acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) for severe throat discomfort or fever that is greater than 102ºF.
Soft diet:
- Cold drinks and milk shakes are good for soothing sore throats.

Call The Office If Your Child Exhibits:

Great difficulty swallowing fluids or saliva.
Difficulty breathing or stiff neck.
Inability to open the mouth completely.
A fever that exceeds 105ºF.
Signs of dehydration (very dry mouth, no tears with crying, and no urine for more than 8 hours).
Severe throat pain.
Rash that is widespread and/or spreading.
An ear ache.
A sore throat that lasts longer than 24 hours, when the sore throat is main (or only) symptom.
A sore throat with cough/cold symptoms that is present for more than 3 days.
Your child's symptoms become worse.