SORE THROAT

 

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

 

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR SORE THROATS

  1. Reassurance:  Most sore throats are just part of a cold.  The presence of a cough, hoarseness or nasal symptoms points to a cold as the cause of your child's sore throat.
  2. Local Pain Relief:
    • Children over age 1 can sip warm chicken broth or apple juice.
    • Children over age 4 can suck on hard candy (e.g. butterscotch) or lollipops.
    • Children over age 6 can also gargle warm water with a little table salt or liquid antacid added.
  3. Pain Medicine: Give acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen for severe throat discomfort or fever greater than 102°F (39° C).
  4. Soft Diet: Cold drinks and milk shakes are especially good.
    (Reason: Swollen tonsils can make some foods hard to swallow.)
  5. Contagiousness: Your child can return to day care or school after the fever is gone and your child feels well enough to participate in normal activities. Children with Strep throat also need to be taking an oral antibiotic for 24 hours before they can return.
  6. Expected Course: Sore throats with viral illnesses usually last 3 or 4 days.
  7. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Sore throat is the main symptom AND lasts more than 24 hours
    • Sore throat with a cold lasts more than 3 days
    • Fever lasts more than 3 days
    • Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Pediatric SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 Barton Schmitt, M.D. FAAP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2004

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