Sore Throat in Kids
Nobody, regardless of age, wants to struggle with the treatment of a sore throat. Any child who is faced with this ailment must be treated in the appropriate manner and without delay. While a sore throat in kids is common, if left untreated it can turn into a more serious issue over time.
Sort Throat Causes
There are many causes of a sore throat, based on a variety of factors ranging from the child’s age to the time of the year to the geographic location. Viruses are the most common cause, however, bacteria (streptococcus) can often times lead to the same issue. On top of this, you should never rule out allergies, particularly during specific times of the year.
What you Need to Know
There are several things you should know about sore throat in kids, including the following:
- Most commonly, a virus causes a sore throat. In this case, no treatment is needed outside of pain relief.
- Children are susceptible to strep throat, which is caused by Group A streptococcus bacteria. If this is the cause, treatment with an antibiotic is important.
- A sore throat can lead to a more serious health concern, such as strep throat
Note: if symptoms do not improve within 48 hours or the child is dealing with additional symptoms, it is best to receive medical attention.
Sore Throat Signs and Symptoms
Are you worried that your child is suffering from a sore throat? Before being examined by a doctor, here are some common symptoms to be aware of:
- Pain in the throat
- Pain that worsens when talking or swallowing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Swollen glands in the neck or jaw
- Dry throat
- Hoarse voice
Sore Throat Treatment
A sore throat caused by a viral infection does not require any medical attention, outside of pain relief medication (such as Tylenol).
If it is determined that a bacterial infection is causing the sore throat, a doctor can prescribe antibiotics. This is taken by mouth for a period of up to 10 days.
Other sore throat treatment options to consider include:
- Gargling with salt water
- Sprays that contain topical anesthetics
- The use of throat lozenges to relieve pain and/or dryness
Note: While adults commonly rely on these treatment options, they may not be best for children, depending on their age. It is best to consult with a doctor before administering such a treatment to a child.
Sore Throat Risk Factors
Although anybody can get a sore throat at anytime, there are risk factors that can increase the likelihood of this happening:
- Being a child, as younger individuals are more likely to develop a sore throat
- Having seasonal allergies
- Being in close proximity to others (such as at school) who are suffering from a sore throat
Generally speaking, a sore throat in kids is nothing to be alarmed about. However, if you are concerned for any reason, contact your child’s doctor for guidance on what to do next.