Pediatricians (833) KIDS-DOC

Sore Throat

A sore throat can be a nightmare for our little ones. When a child has a sore throat, we should always suspect that the infection is either viral or caused by dangerous bacteria.

A sore throat comes out because of an inflammation in the pharyngeal wall, called pharyngitis or pharyngotonsillitis (when it also affects the tonsils). It is common for children not to want to eat or talk when they have a sore throat, which is known as dysphagia or swallowing problems.

What Causes A Sore Throat? 

 

There is no single reason why a sore throat arises, but we can assure you that it is due to an infection in 80% of the cases.

Infections can be produced by viruses or bacteria. The chances of having bacterial tonsillitis are low once a child has completed his or her immunization schedule.

If it is tonsillitis or pharyngitis caused by a virus, the infection can relieve itself in a couple of days or weeks. It can also be the common cold, measles or chickenpox, and croup, a common childhood illness given by a repetitive dry cough.

What Foods To Eat?


The specialists recommend drinking a lot of water to keep the throat humidified and soft; this helps to the recovery. Kids also have to avoid spicy, salty, or cold drinks.

During this inflammatory process, older children can gargle with warm water and honey, which can help with the pain and swelling.

As A Parent, What Should I Do? 


If you find that your child has a sore throat, you should see a specialist as soon as possible. At our clinic in Sugar Land, you can make an appointment via our contact number or directly from our website.

A sore throat is not an emergency, but it is something we should pay attention to avoid medical complications.

Can I Give My Child Home Remedies?


The more your child can avoid them, the better. Home remedies can often be toxic to children, especially natural teas or infusions.

Children are growing and developing beings, so their metabolic system is still immature and does not handle some natural remedies components. Before giving any medication to your child, consult first a specialist.

How to Get Rid Of a Sore Throat?


The specific treatment depends on the cause of the pain. The treatment can be symptomatic if it is a viral infection, focused on relieving the symptoms by taking anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or diclofenac, or antipyretics such as acetaminophen in case of fever.

The treatment is focused on stopping the bacteria if it is a bacteriosis, taking antibiotics every 8 or 12 hours according to the specialist prescriptions along with medication to alleviate the symptoms.

Hydration and nutrition are also decisive in this treatment. Eating fruits, vegetables, and a good serving of proteins and carbohydrates help a lot in the recovery since food and water give the necessary nutrients for the body to keep its machine running.