Pediatrics near Ashburn, Loudoun, Leesburg, Lansdowne, Broadlands, Sterling, Cascades, Potomac Falls and Potomac Station:

Sore Throat and Your Child

What causes sore throat?
Sore throat, or pharyngitis, is an infection of the throat and sometimes tonsils. It is most commonly caused by bacteria called Streptococcus, which then becomes known as "strep throat." Strep throat can cause severe complications like rheumatic fever (a disease of the heart valves), so it is important to seek prompt treatment for your child.

What are the signs and symptoms?

Redness in the back of the throat
Fever (temperature above 100 degrees Fahrenheit)
Loss of appetite
Painful swallowing
Stomach ache
Headache
How will I know if my child has strep throat?
Your child's doctor will perform a throat culture to see if the sore throat is being caused by Streptococcus bacteria. After a cotton swab is rubbed across the back of the throat, it will be sent to a lab for testing. If the results of the strep test are positive, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics for your child. Strep throat is spread through contact with saliva and mucus and is still contagious until antibiotics have been taken for 24 hours.

How do you care for your child at home?

Give your child all medication as instructed by the doctor
Give you child acetaminophen for fever; do not give your child aspirin
Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids
Soft or cold foods, like pudding and milkshakes, may help ease throat pain
Give children over eight years warm salt water to gargle with (1/4 teaspoon of salt per glass of water)

Call the doctor if you child has:

A fever after taking two days of antibiotics
Increased throat pain
Earache
A hard time breathing
Skin rash
Excessive drooling
Cough
Severe headache
Shortness of breath
Dark urine, rash or chest pain (may occur 3 to 4 weeks later)

Questions to ask your child's doctor?

For how long and at what times of the day should I give my child medication, if any?
How should I store the medication? In the refrigerator?
When will my child start to feel better?
Will I need to bring my child back for a follow-up visit?
Should I keep my child home from school or day care?
What activities should I limit my child from?
Are certain foods or liquids more helpful?
What type of over-the-counter pain relievers do you recommend?
What types of over-the-counter medications/preparations are NOT recommended?
What symptoms should I call the doctor about?
This information is not intended to replace the
medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice
about a specific medical condition.

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