Sore Throat

A sore throat is pain, discomfort or raw feeling of the throat especially when swallowing. If  your chils is less than 2 years of age your child doesn't know how to complain of a sore throat. A young child who refuses perviously enjoyed foods or begins to cry during feedings may have a sore throat. Most sore throats are part of a cold, often the first symptom. A sore throat with viral illness usually lasts 4-5 days.

Reason to Have Your Child Seen

We would want your child to be seen immediately if sever difficulty breathing, unable to speak or cry, severe retractions, difficulty swallowing fluids or saliva. Depending upon the situation, we may want you to call 911. Reasons to seek medical assistance:

• Difficulty breathing
• Stiff neck
• Unable to open mouth completely
• Fever greater than 105° F (40.5° C) if child is over 12 weeks of age
• Fever greater than 100.4 F (38° C) if child is under 12 weeks of age
• Signs of dehydration
• Severe pain
• Rash that is widespread
• Earache
• Sinus pain
• Fever lasting longer than 3 days
• Age less than 2 years with a suspected sore throat
• Any concerns that you may have for your child

​If you suspect Strep Throat and our office will not be open within 24 hours, please contact our answering service to have a nurse page and instruct you where to go for medical assistance.

Home Care Advice for a Sore Throat

Local Pain Relief

Children older than age 1 can sip warm chicken broth or apple juice. Children older than age 4 can suck on hard candy or lollipops. Children older than age 6 can also gargle with warm water with a little table salt or gargle with a liquid antacid.

Pain Medication

If fever is greater than 102° F or severe throat pain give acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin). Don't give Motrin to a child less than 6 months of age.

Soft Diet

Cold drinks and milk shakes are especially good because swollen tonsils can make foods hard to swallow. 

If you have any concerns about your baby's health, please call. This Website is meant to be a guideline, not a substitute for the care of a competent health care provider. Please do not give any medicines without talking to your doctor first. We are happy to help you in any way we can. 

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