Sore Throat
Sore Throat
Does this describe your child's symptoms? |
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Definition
Causes·
Strep Throat
Symptoms in Infants and Toddlers
Return to School
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If not, see these topics |
When to Call Your Doctor |
Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance) If |
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Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If |
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Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If |
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Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If |
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Parent Care at Home If |
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HOME CARE ADVICE FOR SORE THROATS |
Reassurance: Most sore throats are just part of a cold. The presence of a cough, hoarseness or nasal discharge points to a cold as the cause of your child's sore throat.
Sore Throat Pain Relief:
Children over age 1 can sip warm chicken broth, apple juice or other warm fluid.
Children over age 6 can suck on hard candy (e.g., butterscotch) or lollipops.
Children over age 8 can also gargle warm water with a little table salt or liquid antacid added.
Medicated throat sprays or lozenges are generally not helpful.
Pain Medicine: Give acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen for severe throat discomfort or fever greater than 102° F (39° C).
Soft Diet: Cold drinks and milk shakes are especially helpful. (Reason: Swollen tonsils can make some solid foods hard to swallow.)
Contagiousness:
Your child can return to child care or school after the fever is gone and your child feels well enough to participate in normal activities.
Children with Strep throat also need to be taking an oral antibiotic for 24 hours before they can return.
Expected Course: Sore throats with viral illnesses usually last 4 or 5 days.
Call Your Doctor If:
Sore throat is the main symptom and lasts over 48 hours
Sore throat with a cold lasts over 5 days
Fever lasts over 3 days
Your child becomes worse
And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
Updated:  
March 22, 2017