In children, a sore throat is a painful, scratchy, or dry feeling in the throat that can be caused by a variety of conditions. It is a common symptom that may be accompanied by coughing, difficulty swallowing, and fever.
Symptoms of a sore throat in children can include:
If your child is too young to communicate, they may show signs of discomfort when eating, drinking or talking.
Most sore throats in children are caused by viruses, such as the common cold or flu. However, a sore throat can also be caused by bacteria, with streptococcus (strep throat) being the most common. Certain environmental factors, such as pollen or dry air, can also cause a sore throat.
Treatment for a sore throat in children depends on the cause. For sore throats caused by viruses, rest and hydration are typically recommended. Over-the-counter methods, such as throat lozenges and sprays, can also help soothe the symptoms. If the sore throat is caused by bacteria, such as strep throat, antibiotics may be prescribed by a healthcare provider. If we suspect your child has strep throat, we will conduct a strep throat test, where we will swab your child’s throat to determine if the bacteria that causes strep throat is present.
If your child’s sore throat is accompanied by a high fever, difficulty breathing, a rash, or if symptoms persist for several days, seek immediate medical care. Our experienced pediatric health team at PedsNOW Urgent Care is available seven days a week to provide rapid, effective treatment for your child.
Remember, PedsNOW Urgent Care is here to provide immediate, accessible pediatric care for your child’s sore throat and other non-life-threatening conditions. Walk-ins are welcome, or you can reserve a spot online to save time. We are here to help.
Lastly, you’ll find that the wait time at PedsNOW is generally much shorter than you’ll experience at most urgent care clinics. While general urgent care centers might see a broad array of patients, from the elderly to adults with complex medical conditions, pediatric urgent care centers solely focus on treating children. This not only allows for more targeted care but also usually results in shorter wait times, ensuring that your child receives swift and effective medical attention.