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.