Sore Throat
Definition
- Pain, discomfort or raw feeling of the throat
- Made worse when swallows
- Rare symptom before 2 years old
- Not caused by an injury to the throat
Causes·
- Colds (URIs). Most sore throats are part of a cold. In fact, a sore throat may be the only symptom for the first 24 hours.
- Viral pharyngitis. Some viruses cause a sore throat without nasal symptoms.
- Strep pharyngitis. Group A Strep is the most common bacterial cause. It accounts for 20% of persistent sore throats. Only these need an antibiotic.
Strep Throat
- Symptoms include sore throat, fever, headache, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting.
- Cough, hoarseness, red eyes, and runny nose are usually not seen with Strep throat. These symptoms point more to a viral cause.
- Scarlet fever rash (fine, red, sandpaper-like rash) is highly suggestive of Strep throat.
- Peak age: 5 to 15 years old. Not common under 2 years old unless sibling has Strep.
- Diagnosis should be confirmed by a Strep test before starting treatment. There is no risk to your child to delay treatment until a Strep test can be done.
- Standard treatment is with antibiotics by mouth.
Symptoms in Infants and Toddlers
- Children less than 2 years of age usually don't complain about a sore throat. A young child who does not want favorite foods may have a sore throat. They may also start to cry during feedings. Their symptoms are usually better covered using DRINKING FLUIDS -DECREASED guide.
Return to School
- Your child can return to school after the fever is gone. Your child should feel well enough to join in normal activities.
- Also, children with Strep throat need to be taking an antibiotic for 24 hours.
When to Call Us for Sore Throat
Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance) If
Call Us Now (night or day) If
| Call Us During Weekday Office Hours If
| Parent Care at Home If
|
CARE ADVICE FOR SORE THROATS
What You Should Know:- Most sore throats are just part of a cold and caused by a virus.
- A cough, hoarse voice or nasal discharge points to a cold as the cause.
- Here is some care advice that should help.
- Age over 1 year. Can sip warm fluids such as chicken broth or apple juice.
- Age over 6 years. Can also suck on hard candy or lollipops. Butterscotch seems to help.
- Age over 8 years. Can also gargle. Use warm water with a little table salt added. A liquid antacid can be added instead of salt. Use Mylanta or the store brand. No prescription is needed.
- Medicated throat sprays or lozenges are generally not helpful.
- To help with the pain, give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen. Use as needed. See Dose Table.
