Considerations:
Frequent and recurrent sore throats are common, especially in children
between the ages of 5 and 10. There is no evidence that removing the tonsils
decreases this frequency; therefore, tonsillectomy surgery is performed less
commonly than in the past.
Sore throats can be caused by either viruses or bacteria. The majority of
sore throats are caused by viruses; therefore, treating all sore throats
with antibiotics (which can't cure viruses and can be unnecessarily
expensive) would needlessly expose people to the risks of adverse reaction
to the drugs.
Strep throat is a primary concern because it can occasionally lead to
rheumatic fever . Strep should be treated with antibiotics. Strep throat
often presents with a fever (greater than 101 degrees Fahrenheit), white
draining patches on the throat, and swollen or tender lymph glands in the
neck, along with headache and stomach pain in children. Rheumatic fever is
very rare in children under 3 and in adults.
Strep throat is very common in children under 3 years old and is much less
common in adults. Strep throat is not likely if the sore throat is a minor
part of a typical cold (with runny nose , stuffy ears, cough , and similar
symptoms).
Common Causes:
breathing through the mouth
(can cause drying and irritation of the throat)
common cold
viral pharyngitis
influenza
strep throat (caused by the
streptococcal bacteria)
infectious mononucleosis
fish, chicken bone, or other
foreign substance stuck in the throat.
local surgery such as
tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy Home Care:
Time is the most important healer for sore throat pain. If the sore throat
is caused by a virus, it will clear up on its own.
Cold liquids and over-the-counter pain medications are effective in treating
the pain. Aspirin should be avoided in children under 15 years old (because
of the risk of Reye's syndrome ). Home remedies such as gargling salt water,
or drinking honey or lemon tea may help. Analgesic sprays and lozenges may
be administered; however, they may make the pain of strep throat worse
instead of better.
Call Your Healthcare Provider If:
there is severe difficulty in
swallowing , difficulty in breathing, or excessive drooling in a young
child.
there is a temperature of 101
degrees Fahrenheit or greater.
there are tender or swollen
lymph glands in the neck.
there is pus in the back of the
throat.
there is a fever , a red rash
that feels rough, and increased redness in the skin folds