A sore throat is a common issue among children of all ages. While many sore throats are caused by mild viral infections and resolve on their own, others may be a sign of a more serious condition, like strep throat. Understanding the signs, causes and available treatments can help you determine when to seek medical care.

what causes sore throat in children?

There are many sore throat causes in kids, ranging from viral infections to environmental irritants. Viral infections are the most common culprit and often come with a runny nose or cough. Bacterial infections, such as strep throat, tend to be more severe and require antibiotics. Other causes include:

• Dry indoor air, especially during colder months
• Allergies
• Postnasal drip
• Exposure to cigarette smoke or other irritants
• Tonsillitis
• Acid reflux (in some cases)

signs and symptoms of sore throat in kids

The signs and symptoms of a sore throat vary depending on the cause. In general, a child with a sore throat may experience:

• Pain or a scratchy sensation in the throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Dry sore throat
• Sore throat and dry cough
• Hoarseness or changes in voice

Additional signs of sore throat in children that may indicate a bacterial infection include:

• Fever followed by sore throat
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• Red, inflamed tonsils or white patches in the throat
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite

signs of a sore throat in infants and toddlers

Young children may not be able to verbalize what they’re feeling, so it’s important to watch for indirect signs:

• Refusal to eat or drink
• Excessive drooling
• Fussiness or irritability
• Crying during feedings
• Pulling at the ears (which may indicate accompanying ear pain)

is strep throat different from a regular sore throat? 

Yes. While many sore throats in kids are caused by viruses, strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by group A streptococcus. Strep throat in children tends to come on suddenly and is more likely to cause significant throat pain, fever and swollen tonsils.

symptoms of strep throat include:

• Sudden sore throat without coughing or congestion
• Fever (often over 101°F)
• Pain when swallowing
• Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white streaks or pus
• Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• Rash (in some cases)

diagnosing a sore throat in kids 

If your child has persistent symptoms or shows signs of strep throat, their pediatrician may recommend a rapid strep test. This involves swabbing the back of the throat and testing the sample. Results are typically available within minutes. In some cases, a throat culture may be sent to a lab for confirmation.

sore throat treatments for children 

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the sore throat.

viral sore throat treatment 

Most viral sore throats improve with supportive care and do not require medication. To help your child feel better:

• Encourage rest
• Offer cool or warm fluids (like water, broth or herbal teas)
• Use a humidifier in their room to add moisture to the air
• Avoid acidic juices like orange or lemonade
• Offer age-appropriate pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen (always follow your doctor’s guidance)

strep throat treatment 

If a bacterial infection is confirmed, your child will likely be prescribed a 10-day course of antibiotics. Antibiotics reduce the duration of symptoms, help prevent complications, and lower the risk of spreading the infection to others. Even if your child starts feeling better after a few days, it’s crucial to finish the entire course of antibiotics.

can allergies cause sore throat? 

Yes, postnasal drip caused by allergies can lead to a sore, scratchy throat. Unlike strep or viral infections, allergy-related sore throats often come with sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny nose.

how to help a sore throat? 

To soothe a sore throat, keep your child hydrated with warm or cold fluids, use a humidifier, and offer soft, non-irritating foods. Over-the-counter pain relief may help reduce discomfort. Avoid citrus drinks and spicy or acidic foods.

what does a sore throat look like? 

A sore throat may cause the throat to appear red or inflamed. In cases of strep, you may also notice white patches on the tonsils or tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth. Swollen tonsils and glands in the neck are also common.

when to seek medical care for a sore throat 

You should contact your pediatrician if your child:

• Has a sore throat that lasts more than a few days
• Develops a fever above 101°F
• Has difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Refuses to eat or drink
• Has visible white patches in the throat
• Has a sore throat and dry cough that isn’t improving

If your child’s pediatrician is unavailable, visit one of Dayton Children’s Kids Express locations. View wait times and save your spot online.