Causes of sore throat in children, treatment and tips for prevention

Sore throats in children are one of the most common diseases that affect young children. Let's learn together about its causes, symptoms, treatment, and how to prevent it.

Sore throat in children

Sore throats may be caused by a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu, or bacterial infection, especially streptococcus. The child feels pain and itching in the throat which may cause crying spells in young children.

Although strep throat is common in young children, it must be treated quickly because it can cause rheumatic fever and lifelong heart damage.

Sore throat causes

About 90% of sore throats in children are caused by viral infections, such as the common cold and flu. But a viral sore throat usually gets better on its own within a week. a

In some cases, sore throats can be caused by bacteria, particularly streptococcus. The doctor often prescribes antibiotics for 10 days to prevent rheumatic fever.

Other conditions that can cause a sore throat include:

• tonsillitis.
• inflammation of the glands;
• Sore throat in children
• Sore throat symptoms in children

Common symptoms of a sore throat include:

• Sore throat that increases when swallowing.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Redness in the back of the mouth (tonsils)
• Cough and hoarseness.
• eye redness;
• Fever (greater than 38.5°C).
• Swelling of the tonsils and the appearance of white spots.
• Swelling in the neck.
• headache;
• nausea;
• stomach pain.

You should consult a doctor immediately if the child has a sore throat in addition to:

• Symptoms do not improve after 48 hours or get worse.
• Increased snoring when sleeping or respiratory arrest when sleeping.
• Painful lumps in the neck.
• breathing difficulties.
• Great difficulty swallowing.
• Skin rash.
• Dehydration: Dry mouth or no urination for more than 8 hours.
• prolonged drowsiness;
• fever.
• Severe pain in the back of the throat.

Diagnosis

The doctor will know the symptoms the child is experiencing and then will examine the child's mouth and throat and analyze the blood. In some cases, the doctor may take a throat swab to check for streptococcus, especially if your child is at risk of developing rheumatic fever.

Sore throat treatment

Sore throat treatment depends on knowing the cause and type of infection. Most sore throats are caused by viruses, so your doctor doesn't prescribe antibiotics. The doctor prescribes it only in the event of a bacterial infection. The doctor also recommends:

• Rest and drink warm fluids.
• Heat relief compresses.
• Medicines: Pain relievers and medicines to treat infections and fevers.

Home remedies to relieve a sore throat:

• Take paracetamol.
• Gargling with warm water and salt (1 teaspoon of salt per cup of water).
• Use throat sprays to relieve inflammation and congestion.
• Sucking on emulsions to increase saliva production.
• Drink warm fluids.

Sore throat prevention

The following tips can help you prevent a sore throat:

• Follow the rules of general hygiene, for example, covering the mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
• Not sharing eating utensils (such as cups, knives, forks, or spoons) or toothbrushes.

Although a sore throat is a common disease in children, it can be easily prevented by following the rules of general hygiene and encouraging the child to wash his hands frequently.