Throat infections (sore throat and strep throat)

Bacterial infection

The streptococcus bacteria usually causes strep throat. Symptoms of strep throat include very sore throat, fever, swollen glands or upset stomach.

White spots may appear on your child's throat. Your health care provider can give your child a rapid strep screen (it takes about 30 minutes) or throat culture to see if the infection is strep throat.

An antibiotic will cure your child's strep throat.

It is important that your child take the entire prescription, even if he feels better. If left untreated, the bacteria may lead to rheumatic fever. This disease may damage the heart valves or lead to joint problems.

If your child has a reaction to the medicine or does not start getting better within 48 hours, call your health care provider. Throw away any left-over antibiotics. You cannot use the prescription later or allow anyone else to use what is left-over.

It will likely take three to seven days before your child feels better.

Viral infection

Most sore throats are caused by viruses. With a sore throat, your child may have a fever and swollen neck glands.

Your child's tonsils may be covered with white spots. Antibiotics will not help a viral throat infection. The virus must run its course.

Talk with your health care provider about over-the-counter medicines that may help your child's symptoms.

It will likely take three to seven days before your child feels better.

How to soothe a sore throat

To soothe a viral sore throat, have your child:

• use throat lozenges, if age-appropriate
• take acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®) (Follow your health care providers or the package directions.)
• drink lots of liquids and gargle with salt water (one-quarter teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water) three times a day.

When tonsils may be removed

In the "good old days," sore throats, lots of colds or ear infections often meant that children's tonsils were taken out.

Today, health care providers won't remove tonsils unless the child has had many cases of strep throat or problems with breathing during the night.

Talk with your health care provider if you want more information about a tonsillectomy.