Sore throat during childhood

Sore throat is a common problem during childhood, and is usually the result of a bacterial or viral infection. Although sore throat usually resolves without complications, it sometimes requires treatment with an antibiotic. There are some less common causes of sore throat that are serious or even life-threatening. Viruses are the most common cause of sore throat, bacteria are another common cause. Bacteria and viruses are spread from one person to another through hand contact. Hands get contaminated when the sick individual touches their nose or mouth and then touches another person directly or indirectly.

There are many viruses that can cause pain and swelling of the throat. The most common include viruses that cause sore throat as part of an upper respiratory infection, such as the common cold. Other viruses that cause sore throat include influenza, adenovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus. Symptoms that may occur with a viral infection can include a runny nose and congestion, irritation or redness of the eyes, cough, and hoarseness, soreness in the roof of the mouth, a skin rash, or diarrhea. In addition, children with viral infections may have a fever and may feel miserable. A high fever does not necessarily mean that the child has a bacterial infection.

The treatment of sore throat depends upon the cause; strep throat is treated with an antibiotic while viral pharyngitis is treated with rest, pain relievers, and other measures to reduce symptoms. 

SORE THROAT DIAGNOSIS

Most cases of sore throat are caused by viruses and do not require treatment. However, it is important to recognize and treat children with strep throat to prevent the spread of infection and also to prevent potentially serious complications of group a streptococcus. The following are the signs in sore throat infection

• Temperature is ≥101ºF or 38.3ºC
• Season is late fall, winter, or early spring
• The child does not have a cough
• Child's age is between 5 and 15 years
• Recent exposure to someone with strep throat
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Child's voice sounds muffled
• Stiff neck or difficulty opening the mouth
• Parent has questions or concerns about child's symptoms

SORE THROAT PREVENTION

Hand washing is an essential and highly effective way to prevent the spread of infection. Hands should be wet with water and plain soap, and rubbed together for 15 to 30 seconds. Special attention should be paid to the fingernails, between the fingers, and the wrists. Hands should be rinsed thoroughly, and dried with a single use towel. Hands should be washed after coughing, blowing the nose or sneezing. While it is not always possible to limit contact with a person who is sick, the spread of infection can be prevented if touching of the eyes, nose or mouth are avoided. 

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