Sore Throat
What is a sore throat?
Viruses that cause colds cause most sore throats. Strep
bacteria causes some sore throats. Your doctor may take a
throat culture to find out if the sore throat is caused by a
virus or strep.
Your older child can tell you if he has a sore throat. A
younger child may have a sore throat if he cries when he
eats. Or your child may not eat. Your child's tonsils may
also be red and swollen.
How can I take care of my child?
- Help the throat feel better.
If your child is over age 1, give warm chicken broth or
apple juice.
Children over age 4 can suck on hard candy or lollipops
to make the throat feel better. Children over age 8 can
also gargle with warm salt water (1/4 teaspoon of salt
per glass).
- Give a soft diet.
If your child has swollen tonsils, some foods can be hard
to swallow. Give your child soft foods for a few days.
- Give pain medicine.
Give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen
(Advil) for the sore throat or for a fever. No aspirin.
Call your doctor right away if:
- Your child drools or has a hard time swallowing.
- It is hard for your child to breathe.
- Your child acts very sick.
Call your child's doctor during office hours if:
- Your child has a sore throat for more than 48 hours.
- Your child has a fever and no other cold symptoms.
- You think your child may need a throat culture.
Written by B.D. Schmitt, M.D., author of "Your Child's Health," Bantam Books.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information is intended to inform and educate and is not a
replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
Copyright © 2006 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subsidiaries. All Rights Reserved.