New York Sore throats in children are a common complaint, especially during the winter months. A mild sore throat can be caused by low humidity, pollution, smoke and yelling. However, most are caused by a viral infection.
Strep throat is most often caused by the streptococcus bacteria and is common in children between the ages of 4 and 11. The sore throat will usually last about five to seven days. A proper diagnosis is difficult based on symptoms alone. A doctor will take a throat culture (a sample of mucus and fluids from the back of the throat) to determine if the streptococcus bacteria is present.
SYMPTOMS OF STREP THROAT
- fever of 101 °F or higher,
- white or yellow coating on the tonsils swollen glands in the neck I
- difficulty swallowing
- swollen tonsils and uvula
- a widespread red rash
- mild cough and hoarseness
- headache
- stomach pain, nausea or vomiting
TREATMENT
It’s important to treat strep throat with antibiotics.
Make sure your child takes all the medication for a full 10 days, or until it’s all gone, to prevent complications.
TIPS FOR RELIEF
- Give your child plenty of fluids.
- Feed your child soft foods, such as gelatin, soup, applesauce and Popsicle’s.
- Have your child gargle with salt water to help relieve the soreness in the throat.
- Give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help relieve pain and fever symptoms.
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