Sore Throat in Kids - What You Should Know

• Sore throats in kids are most commonly associated with viral colds/congestion. Nasal drainage down the throat also causes soreness. Time is likely to ease symptoms from this cause, as most sore throats associated with viral colds only last a few days.
• Children with fever and sore throat that have no congestion at all should be evaluated for strep throat as the possible cause. This is only true about 20% of the time with this scenario, so that means 80 % of the time the cause will still be a viral condition for which there is no treatment.
• Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen are good symptom relievers for sore throats. (See dosage chart.) Warm fluids help some children, others prefer cold ones. Popsicles help for reluctant drinkers.
• Avoid salty or spicy foods or citrus, as these can make a sore throat feel worse. It might help to offer soft foods such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, oatmeal, soups.
• Treat cold symptoms as usual, and this may help the sore throat.
• Frequent hand washing is important to prevent spread of illness.

Call your child's health care provider or have your child seen if:

• Your child will not drink at all, and may be dehydrated
• Your child has trouble swallowing and is drooling excessively
• Your child is having difficulty breathing
• Sore throat with fever and no congestion
• Fever occurs with an itchy spreading rash at the same time
• Fever is higher than 105 or is 100.3-105 for more than 72 hours
• This information did not help and you are concerned