Pediatric Sore Throat Treatment Specialist in Winter Park, FL

Sore throat is the inflammation of the pharynx (throat). When there is a sore throat, the inner part of the throat (the glottis) becomes inflamed, and the spreading of a virus (influenza) or bacterial infection (strep throat) is likely. A sore throat is typically caused by a viral or bacterial infection, although there are a number of other causes, such as dehydration, allergies and asthma. When a child is experiencing a sore throat, it can be difficult to know the cause, but thankfully, pediatricians are experienced at diagnosing pediatric sore throats and can develop a treatment plan that improves their condition.

The duration of a sore throat depends on what is causing it, the overall health of the patient, the treatments used, as well as lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise. Sore throats, also known as pharyngitis, can be acute, lasting only a few days, or chronic, lingering on for long periods (potentially months) until the underlying cause is addressed. Sore throats that are caused by a viral infection, which is the most common cause, typically resolve on their own within 3 to 10 days. Sore throats caused by a bacterial infection or allergies may last longer and generally require professional treatment in order to ameliorate symptoms.

At-home treatments and prescribed medications can affect the length of time that a person experiences symptoms from a sore throat, such as pain, scratchiness and trouble swallowing; these treatments typically induce a quicker recovery time, as long as the underlying cause is properly addressed.

In many cases, a sore throat clears up on its own with at-home care and over-the-counter treatments. However, there are situations that warrant a visit to the doctor’s office, including cases that cause excessive pain or last longer than 10 days. It is also important to monitor symptoms that might indicate a more serious condition requiring antibiotics, such as strep throat. These symptoms include:

–  fever
–  chills
–  swollen lymph nodes in the neck
–  rash
–  body aches
–  headache
–  nausea or vomiting
–  white/red spots on the back of the throat, somewhat resembling a strawberry
 
A sore throat may also indicate tonsillitis, which is inflammation of the tonsils; it may be caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Other symptoms of tonsillitis may include:

–  swollen tonsils that look red
–  tonsils coated with white or yellow pus
–  pain when swallowing
–  swollen lymph nodes in the neck
–  fever
–  bad breath
–  headache
–  stiff neck
–  stomach pain

Tonsillitis is most common in children ranging from preschool age to high school, making it a common ailment treated in pediatric clinics.
 
While sore throats caused by a viral infection typically improve on their own within a week, some causes require professional treatment, particularly if they present any of the following symptoms:

–  severe sore throat
–  trouble swallowing
–  trouble breathing, or pain when breathing
–  difficulty opening mouth
–  sore joints
–  fever higher than 101ºF
–  painful or stiff neck
–  earache
–  blood in saliva or phlegm
–  sore throat lasts over a week

The diagnosis of a sore throat can often be performed with a visual exam and a swab of the throat; the appearance of the throat can indicate its cause, such as strep throat (characterized by white, red-speckled patches on the back of the throat). In some cases, this is enough to formulate a diagnosis, but when more information is needed, the doctor can perform a throat swab, which is sent to a lab to test for bacteria and viral material.

Call us today to book an appointment with our pediatric sore throat treatment specialist, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 1680 Lee Road, Winter Park, FL 32789. We look forward to serving you! We serve patients from Winter Park FL, Goldenrod FL, Lockhart FL, Maitland FL, Casselberry FL, Apopka FL, and Oviedo, FL