Sore Throat in Children

Sore throat, also known as pharyngitis, is common in children and is typically caused by a cold or the flu. However, a sore throat can be an indication of a more severe viral or bacterial infection.

Sore Throat Symptoms

• Symptoms of a sore throat include rawness in the back of the throat, pain when swallowing, swollen tonsils and earache.

Tonsillitis

• The most common signs of tonsillitis are a severe sore throat and red, swollen tonsils. Children with tonsillitis may also have swollen lymph nodes and foul-smelling breath.

Mononucleosis

• The symptoms of infectious mononucleosis are similar to tonsillitis. Children with mononucleosis usually experience a severe sore throat, fever and fatigue.

Strep Throat

• Strep throat is caused by streptococcal bacteria and is one of the most serious sore throat conditions. Symptoms of strep throat include a severe sore throat, redness of the throat, enlarged glands and tonsils and a high fever. If left untreated, strep throat can lead to rheumatic fever.

Treatment

• Most sore throats heal with rest and self-care. Self-care includes gargling with salt water, taking pain relievers and consuming plenty of fluids. More severe cases require antibiotics, corticosteroids or removal of the tonsils or adenoids.