Sore throats are part and parcel of childhood, especially during flu season or when the weather changes. But when your child has only just got over one and another arrives, it is fair to start wondering what is going on. Sometimes the cause isn’t obvious, so it helps to notice what other symptoms pop up and how often that sore, scratchy throat comes back.
Why does my child keep getting a sore throat?
Most sore throats in children are caused by viruses, although bacterial infections can also cause sore throats. The symptoms that come with the sore throat (aside from painful swallowing) can give you a few clues as to what may be behind it. With a bacterial infection, your child’s tonsils may look red and swollen, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus.
Fever can happen with either type of infection, but bacterial infections may bring a higher temperature. Viral sore throats often arrive with the rest of the cold gang, including coughing, a runny nose, and a hoarse voice.
Does my child need antibiotics?
Not every sore throat needs an antibiotic. Antibiotics treat bacterial infections, so they can be important for illnesses such as strep throat, which is caused by bacteria. But many of the bugs children bring home, including colds, flu and many ear infections, are caused by viruses, and antibiotics simply don’t work against them.
The same goes for sore throats. Lots of viruses can leave a child with a throat that’s red, scratchy and sore, so seeing an angry-looking throat doesn’t automatically mean strep is to blame. When in doubt, let your child’s doctor do the detective work and decide whether an antibiotic is actually needed.
Red flags to watch out for
Most sore throats in children are nothing to worry about, but a few warning signs are worth knowing. Get urgent medical help if your child is struggling to breathe or swallow, is drooling because swallowing is difficult, has a high fever that will not settle, seems unusually sleepy or is in severe, constant pain.
The power to fight pain and fever
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