Sore throats are common in children and adults. The vast majority are caused by viral upper respiratory infections. The viruses often infect the throat; at other times, the throat hurts because of post-nasal drainage. (Allergies with post-nasal drainage can also cause sore throats). Other viruses, such as the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV or mononucleosis) can cause moderate to severe sore throats as well. Antibiotics cannot help or treat a viral infection. Sometimes strep throat is the cause of a sore throat and this infection can and should be treated with an antibiotic to prevent complications.
Symptoms
- Sore throat, sometimes constant and sometimes only with swallowing
- Fever
- Other respiratory symptoms such as runny nose, nasal congestion, cough
- Red throat
- Enlarged tonsils may or may not be present.
- Swollen lymph nodes (“glands”) in the neck
Causes
Most sore throats are caused by viruses such as upper respiratory viruses (colds) or viruses such as hand-foot-and-mouth disease, which directly infect the throat. Strep throat causes about 10% of sore throats in school-age children and must be treated with antibiotics. The only way to tell if your child has strep throat is to do a rapid strep test. (If this test is negative, a throat culture should be done, which takes 1-2 days for results). Other causes of sore throats include postnasal drainage from colds or allergies.
Expected Course
Sore throats due to colds usually last 3-4 days but may last longer with pain in the mornings or with swallowing. Other viral sore throats usually last 5-7 days. Sore throats due to other causes may last until the cause is treated.
Treatment
- Warm drinks, such as chicken broth, juice, or hot chocolate.
- Cold drinks, popsicles or ice cream help some children.
- Pain reliever (acetaminophen or ibuprofen).
- You can try sore throat sprays, strips or lozenges.
- If congestion is present, sometimes a decongestant helps with the drainage and therefore the sore throat. Decongestants should only be used in children 6 years old and up.
- Antibiotics will not help viral infections; they will only treat strep throat.
When to call
Seek medical attention immediately if your child:
- Is drooling or cannot swallow.
- Has trouble breathing or labored breathing.
Call our office during regular hours if:
- Sore throat lasts longer than 7 days.
- Fever lasts longer than 5 days.
- Your child has strep throat symptoms (fever, sore throat, nausea/vomiting, and/or headache, with little or no runny nose or congestion)
