Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
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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.

• 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 24 hours.
• Your child has a fever.
• You think your child may need a throat culture.