Advice: Sore Throat

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301-279-6750

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15204 Omega Drive

Suite #100 Rockville, MD 20850

Sore Throat (Pharyngitis)

Sore Throat basics

Sore throats can be caused by viruses, seasonal allergies, or bacteria.
Strep throat is caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria.
Symptoms of Strep throat usually include fever (100.4 or higher), very sore throat, swollen glands in the neck; sometimes kids, especially younger kids, will have stomach pain, headache, and/or vomiting.
Cold symptoms like cough, runny nose, or itchy eyes are less common with strep throat
Antibiotics are used to prevent the future problems caused by strep throat (such as scarlet fever or rheumatic heart disease); this is why it is important to complete the full antibiotic course as prescribed. Antibiotic side effects include diarrhea, upset stomach, allergic reaction, or rash.
Have a low threshold to test other symptomatic household members. We do not usually test or treat children less than 3 years old due to a very low risk of complications from strep throat. Children under three also often carry the bacteria in a non-harmful way which leads to a high rate of false positive tests.

Treatment

If your rapid strep test is positive, your provider will prescribe an antibiotic .
If a rapid test was negative, a strep throat culture will be done. We will call you if the culture is positive for strep within 48 hours.
Fever/Pain control: Use Acetaminophen every 4 - 6 hours (up to 5 times/day) and Ibuprofen every 6 hours (up to 4 times/day) as needed. These may be alternated or given together.
Throat pain: Soothing drinks, salt water gargles, humidified air, honey, and acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be helpful. Avoid smoke exposure.
Throw away toothbrushes and deep wash straws, retainers, and mouth pieces 48 hours after starting antibiotics as they can harbor the bacteria and lead to re-infection.

When to return to school/activities

When to seek care

If symptoms are not improving in 72 hours
If your child is not peeing at least 4 times/day
If your child develops skin peeling/rash
If your child has very dark or bloody urine
If your child develops joint pain (often 1 month later)
If you are concerned

Additional Resrouces

Potomac Pediatrics will always be fully focused on helping your child and you to overcome any healthcare hurdle, with innovative, comprehensive and compassionate care.