SORE THROAT

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR SORE THROAT

Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance) If:

Severe difficulty breathing (struggling for each breath, making grunting noises with each breath, unable to speak or cry because of difficulty breathing)

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

Your child looks or acts very sick
Difficulty breathing, but not severe
Great difficulty swallowing fluids or saliva
Fever greater than 104°F (40° C) or stiff neck
Signs of dehydration (very dry mouth, no tears with crying and no urine for more than 8 hours)
Purple spots or dots on skin

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If

You think your child needs an office visit or throat culture
Sore throat pain is severe
Pink rash that's widespread
Earache or sinus pain/pressure
Fever has lasted more than 3 days
Age less than 2 years old
Exposure to Strep within last 7 days
Sores present on the skin
Sore throat is the main symptom and persists more than 24 hours

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

Sore throat with cold/cough symptoms is present more than 3 days
You have other questions or concerns

Parent Care at Home If

Probable viral throat infection and you don't think your child needs to be seen.

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.

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2004

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