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Parent’s Guide

Parent’s Guide: Sore Throat

Sore throats are a common childhood complaint. While painful, the vast majority are caused by viruses (part of a cold) and heal on their own. However, parents need to know how to spot bacterial infections like Strep Throat which require antibiotics.

1

🔎Identifying the Cause

Strip your child down to their diaper or underwear. Watch their chest and belly while they breathe. Look for “Work of Breathing”:

The Common Cold (Viral):

This is the most common cause. The sore throat is usually the first sign, followed quickly by a runny nose, and cough. Antibiotics will not help.

Strep Throat (Bacterial):

Suspect this if there is a sudden sore throat, fever, headache, and stomach pain, but NO cough or runny nose.

The Rash: Look for a fine, red rash that feels like sandpaper (Scarlet Fever).

Mono:

Occurs mostly in teens. Symptoms include fever, severe sore throat, and widespread swollen lymph nodes.

Morning Pain:

If the throat hurts only in the morning and improves after breakfast, it is likely caused by mouth breathing during sleep.

2

🏠Home Care for Mild Symptoms

If the child is breathing comfortably, you can focus on pain relief at home.

Hydration (Most Important):

Keeping the throat moist reduces pain. Cold drinks, milkshakes, slushes, and popsicles are excellent for numbing the throat.

Pain Medicine:

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil) can help with pain and fever (over 102°F/39°C).

Soft Diet:

Stick to easy-to-swallow foods. Avoid citrus, salty, or spicy foods.

Age-Specific Remedies:

  • Age 1+: Honey (1 teaspoon) can coat and soothe the throat.
  • Age 6+: Hard candy or lollipops (Butterscotch is often soothing).
  • Age 8+:Salt Water Gargle (warm water with a little salt).

3

🚩“Red Flags”: Serious Complications

While rare, throat infections can sometimes block the airway or spread to deep tissues.

  • Epiglottitis (Emergency): Bacterial infection of the flap above the windpipe. Symptoms: Severe sore throat, drooling (cannot swallow spit), and spitting.
  • Abscess: Infection spreads behind the tonsil. Symptoms: Severe one-sided pain, fever, and trouble opening the mouth fully.
4

🚨 When to Get Help

Call 911 Now

  • Severe trouble breathing (struggling for breath).
  • Drooling or great difficulty swallowing fluids/spit.
  • Purple or blood-colored spots on the skin.

Call Doctor Now or Go to ER

  • Stiff neck or inability to move the neck normally.
  • Signs of dehydration (no urine for >8 hours, dry mouth, no tears).
  • Fever over 104°F (40°C).
  • Child cannot open their mouth all the way.

Contact in 24hrs

  • Suspect Strep: Fever, no cough, sore throat, or exposure to someone with Strep.
  • Rash: Widespread pink rash (Scarlet Fever).
  • Severe pain not relieved by Ibuprofen.
  • Earache or sinus pain.
5

🏫Return to School

  • Viral: Child can return when the fever is gone and they feel well enough to participate.
  • Strep: Child must be on antibiotics for at least 24 hours (and fever-free) before returning.

Medically Reviewed by Dr Michael Villadelgado
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you use it. If you are unsure, always call your doctor.