When children a sore throat

When your child tells you that your throat hurts, you probably think that this is a strep infection. Although common, there are other types of infections that may be responsible for the sore throat in children. Read on to find out.

What is nasty sore throat. As adults, we know it’s a very annoying pain, then imagine what it is for children, who only think about playing and having fun and suddenly a sore throat can leave them in bed and affect not only their physical health but their mood.

As its name implies, the sore throat  is pain or irritation that worsens when you swallow. It is the first symptom of pharyngitis, or inflammation of the pharynx. The most common cause of sore throat is a viral infection such as a cold or the flu. In this case, the pain itself is removed with home care.

Image © iStockphoto.com / Levent Konuk

But if instead the sore throat is caused by bacteria, such as streptococcus, treatment includes addition of home care , the administration of antibiotics for this infection if not cared for can cause serious complications.

The sore throat symptoms are as follows, but may vary depending on the cause:

• Sore and itchy throat (allergies can cause this symptom)
• Pain that worsens when swallowing or speaking
• Difficulty swallowing
• Throat dry
• High fever
• Red, swollen tonsils
• White spots of pus on the tonsils
• Swollen glands in the neck or under the jaw
• Hoarseness
• Loss of appetite in infants and young children.

It is common for infections (especially viral infections) that cause sore throats accompanied by fever, chills, cough, nasal congestion, sneezing, body aches, headache, nausea and / or vomiting. Bacterial infections can be accompanied by a number of symptoms but tend not to be associated with nasal congestion and sneezing.

To see if the infection is caused by streptococcus, the doctor will swab the throat with a cotton swab to send to a lab. If the result is positive, prescribe antibiotics.The throat is contagious through saliva and mucus and remains so until 24 hours after antibiotics were started.

You may be wondering how you can care for your child at home if you have a sore throat. Take note of these tips to give the care needed for recovery:

• Be sure to give plenty of fluids to keep (a) hydrated (a) and keep his throat moist.
• Follow exactly the instructions of doctor if you are taking antibiotics.
• If the child has a fever, give acetaminophen, not aspirin (aspirin in children under 18 years can cause Reye’s syndrome ).
• Soft foods like milkshakes and cold can help relieve a sore throat.
• Also the warm fluids like water with honey (if you already have 12 months or more) or broth help relieve sore throat.
• If your child is over 8 years old, give him a glass of warm water with ¼ teaspoon salt gargle.
• If your child is over age 4 can suck special candy to decrease pain. Younger children will not have to blow these candies because they can clog and can drown.
• Rest is essential for recovery.

Stay tuned (a) for symptoms or signs that lead you to your child’s doctor right away:

• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty swallowing
• Excess saliva that may indicate that you can not swallow
• Fever after taking antibiotics for two days
• Increased sore throat (and lasting more than 4 days)
• Earache
• Skin rash
• Dark urine
• Chest pain

While sore throat is common, it is good to take steps to prevent it. Good hygiene, such as washing hands after using the bathroom and regularly throughout the day is essential. It also keeps your child has contact with sick people, if possible, avoid share utensils, cups or thermoses. Wash him hands thoroughly with soap and water after being in a park or having contact with many children in school. If there is no where you can wash your hands with soap and water, use a disinfectant gel alcohol based wipe them.

If you have any questions, consult your pediatrician.