Sore Throat

Northlake Children's Associates, P.A. Our Services Sore Throat

Northlake Children's Associates, P.A.

Pediatric Care & Pediatricians located in Mooresville, NC

Your child’s sore throat may be an early sign of a cold or indicate a streptococcal bacterial infection, otherwise known as strep throat. Whatever the cause, the pediatric specialists at Northlake Children’s Associates, PA, in Mooresville, North Carolina, Mary-Margaret James, MD, and Majé Goodwin, MD, can evaluate your child and provide the most appropriate treatment to ease the sore throat pain. For a consultation with a compassionate team, call the office today or book online.

Sore Throat Q & A


What is a sore throat?

A sore throat, medically referred to as pharyngitis, is an infection in the throat. Sore throats are very common in children and can develop for a number of reasons.

What causes a sore throat?

It’s very possible that your child’s sore throat is the beginning of a cold. But a sore throat can be a symptom of a variety of conditions, such as:

Flu

The flu is a viral infection that often begins with a sore throat. With the flu, your child may also develop a fever, body aches, cough, and congestion.

Strep throat

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that’s very common in children. In addition to the sore throat, your child may also experience difficulty swallowing and develop pus on their tonsils.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease

A sore throat may also be one of the first signs of hand, foot, and mouth disease, a highly contagious viral infection that leads to the development of a rash on the hands, feet, and around the mouth.

While your first thought may be strep throat, in most cases, a sore throat is the result of a viral infection.

When should my child see the pediatrician for a sore throat?

While you may be able to take care of your child’s sore throat at home, you should schedule an appointment with one of the pediatricians at Northlake Children’s Associates if your child’s sore throat is getting worse instead of better.

Other indicators that your child’s sore throat needs to be evaluated include:

  • Difficulty swallowing that limits food and drinks intake
  • Fatigue
  • Sore throat that lasts longer than a week
  • Appearance of white spots on the back of your child’s throat

 

Your pediatrician at Northlake Children’s Associates conducts a comprehensive examination to determine if your child’s sore throat is due to a bacterial or viral infection and then provides the most appropriate treatment.


What treatments can improve my child’s sore throat?

Treatment for your child’s sore throat depends on the underlying cause of the infection. For strep throat, your doctor prescribes an antibiotic to clear up the bacterial infection. If the throat pain is due to a viral infection, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain medication to ease your child’s discomfort.

Soothing liquids, such as broth or a milkshake, may also help ease the sore throat.

For an evaluation of your child’s sore throat, call Northlake Children’s Associates today or book an appointment online.

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