Sore Throat: Simple tips and precautions to tackle the problem.

Sore throat is a common ailment in Children. Sore throat is a condition in which a person experiences pain or irritation in the throat. The infected person finds it  difficult to swallow food or water. Root causes of a sore throat are listed below:

• Most sore throats are part of a cold. In fact, a sore throat may be the only symptom for the first 24 hours. Then a cough and runny nose occur.

• Viral Pharyngitis.

  Some viruses cause a sore throat without other symptoms. A cough and runny nose don't become part of the illness. An antibiotic won't help.

• Strep Pharyngitis.

    Group A Strep is the most common bacterial cause. It accounts for 20% of sore throats without any cold symptoms. Pus is seen on the tonsils. Peak age is 5 to 15 years. An antibiotic is helpful.

• Infectious Mono mainly occurs in teens and young adults. The main symptoms are sore throat, fever and widespread swollen lymph nodes. Like Strep, Mono also has pus on the tonsils. Patients with Mono also may have a large spleen. It's located in the upper left side of the stomach. Mono is diagnosed with special blood tests.

• Post-nasal Drip.

  Drainage from a sinus infection can cause a sore throat. The throat clearing that goes with the drainage may cause most of the irritation. The sinus infection is more likely to be viral than bacterial.

• Mouth Breathing. 

  Breathing with the mouth open during sleep can cause a sore throat. After eating breakfast, it often goes away.

• Abscess of Tonsil (Serious).

    A bacterial infection of the tonsil can spread to the surrounding tissues. The main symptoms are severe trouble swallowing, fever and one-sided throat pain. It's also hard to fully open the mouth. The peak age is teens.

• Epiglottitis (Very Serious).

    A bacterial infection of the flap of tissue above the vocal cords. It normally covers the windpipe during swallowing. The main symptoms are severe sore throat, drooling, spitting and fever. It can shut off the airway. Needs a 911 response.

So what should you do in such a situation? There are two scenarios:

Severe Condition:

Severe conditions may require immediate medical attention. Difficulty in breathing to a painful extent, Purple or blood colored spots on skin are some of the serious conditions.

Moderate Condition:

 Moderate conditions may not be critical. Medical assistance helps in easing out the pain and irritation. Symptoms may include:

• Pain while swallowing food.
• Uneasy breathing
• Difficulty in opening mouth.
• Stiff Neck.
• Your child looks or acts very sick.
• Earache or ear drainage.

Parents should be alert enough to catch the symptoms and seek medical assistance as soon as possible. Quick containment of the problem prevents further complications such as Flu, Body Pain etc.

Citation/Reference:

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