Sore Throat

Definition and Causes

A sore throat is a feeling of fullness or pain in the throat.  A child too young to speak may demonstrate this by refusal to eat or drink.  Most sore throats are caused by a virus and are part of a cold.

Symptoms

A sore throat may be accompanied by fever and body aches and may last up to 5 days. Tonsillitis, or the temporary swelling and redness of the tonsils, may be present in any throat infection.

Complications (Strep Throat)

A strep throat is usually more severe with fever, difficulty swallowing, painful swollen glands and pus on the tonsils.  Children may also have headaches, stomachaches, and vomiting or bad breath.  Some children may also have a fine sandpaper-like rash.  A throat culture or rapid strep test is the only way to distinguish a strep throat from a viral sore throat.  Typically strep throat does not have a lot of associated cough or runny nose.

Treatment

A sore throat does NOT require antibiotics.  They have no effect on viruses, may interfere with the correct diagnosis, and may cause future antibiotic resistance.  Some viral infections causing sore throat may result in a rash if treated with antibiotics.

Antibiotics are necessary only for the treatment of strep throat.  If your child has a positive strep culture, it is important to finish the entire course of antibiotics.  Your child may return to school or daycare 24 hours after starting the antibiotics, if feeling better and free of fever.

Home Care

Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Tempra) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) may be given if your child has a fever or a great deal of discomfort.  Encourage plenty of fluids.  Provide your child with a soft diet including cool liquids and popsicles for a few days if they prefer it.  In children over four, throat lozenges may be given for pain.

When to Call the Doctor

Call your child’s doctor if:

• The pain is severe.
• There is unusual drooling, spitting or your child is having great difficulty in swallowing.
• Your child cannot fully open their mouth.
• Your child is acting very sick.
• A sunburn-like rash appears.
• Breathing or swallowing becomes increasingly difficult.
• Fever lasts for more than 3-4 days.