SORE THROAT (PHARYNGITIS)

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 any of the following:

• Great difficulty swallowing fluids or saliva.
• Difficulty breathing or stiff neck.
• Inablility 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.