Sore Throats: Symptoms, Remedies and When to See a Doctor

A sore throat is a common occurrence at any age, but especially for children. Experiencing it can be an early sign of an upcoming cold or flu virus, or could mean something more serious like strep throat or mononucleosis. It can be difficult to know when it is the right time to visit the doctor, so consider these sore throat symptoms, remedies and signs of serious infection.

Sore Throat Symptoms
If your child is suffering from a sore throat, there are some other symptoms and signs to look for that can help you determine how serious the issue is. These include:

• Swollen glands in the neck
• Fever
• A scratchy feeling in the throat
• Redness in the throat and back of the mouth
• Bad breath

At-Home Remedies
There are many easy ways to relieve the pain of a sore throat before taking a trip to the pediatrician. Try easy solutions like:

• Eating cold or frozen liquids like popsicles
• Sipping on warm liquids like tea
• Gargling saltwater
• Taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed
• Sucking on cough drops if age-appropriate

When to See a Doctor
If your child has a persistent sore throat that does not improve within a week, it is time to see a doctor even if there are no other side effects. Additionally, it is important to be aware of other side effects that could be a sign of a more serious infection. These include:

• Pus in the back of the throat
• Fatigue
• Difficulty breathing
• Trouble swallowing
• Headache or stomachache