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SORE THROAT

Sore throats may have a number of causes. Most are caused by viruses. Approximately 10% are caused by the streptococcus bacteria. It is this latter group of infections that needs to be identified because they require antibiotic treatment. The viral infections require no specific treatment.

Allergies may cause a postnasal drip that may result in a sore throat. Usually these sore throats improve within 1-2 hours of waking up.

A dry irritating cough may also cause a sore throat.

Children who have a sore throat with no other symptoms and the cause is not obvious will usually need a strep test to rule out a bacterial infection.

Children who have a sore throat that is associated with a fever greater than 101 degrees or have a fine red rash over the chest, abdomen or groin or have a headache or abdominal pain will need to be examined. Call 344-9213 for assistance.

Please call our office immediately if your child has any of the following symptoms:

• A stiff neck with difficulty turning their head from side to side or up and down;
• Excessive drooling or difficulty opening their mouth completely, or
• Labored or difficult breathing or appears seriously ill.

If you have an emergency during or after hours call 345-3133.

The following measures may help reduce the pain associated with sore throats:

• Encourage plenty of fluids such as water, apple juice, popsicles and Jell-O and
• Avoid juices like orange or tomato since the acid content will often cause burning.

You may also offer a soft bland diet if the soreness will permit.

In children one year of age or older, you may offer a mixture of tea and honey for its soothing effect.

In children six (6) years of age or older, sucking on hard candy can offer some relief.

In children eight (8) years of age or older, salt-water gargles made by using ¼ tsp. salt in 4 ounces of warm water will often decrease the pain.

Tylenol, Advil or Motrin may be given to relieve the pain.

Avoid throat sprays and lozenges that contain Benzocaine; and lastly, do not use leftover antibiotics.

This advice on sore throats is presented as general information and is not meant to be specific treatment for your child’s medical problem. If you need further assistance, call 855-9160 during regular office hours to speak with one of our Health Information Nurses.