Key points to remember about sore throats
- most sore throats are caused by viruses and get better on their own
- sometimes a sore throat is caused by strep throat (group A Streptococcus bacteria)
- it's important to treat strep throat with antibiotics to prevent complications
- Māori and Pasifika children are at greatest risk of developing complications from strep throat like rheumatic fever
An illustration of a sore throat, comparing a normal throat and one with pain and inflammation.
Source: KidsHealth
transcribeTranscript
The illustration is titled Sore throat.
A child is shown in the centre, with two circles magnifying the throat:
- The first circle is labelled Normal, showing a healthy throat with no redness.
- The second circle is labelled Sore throat, showing redness and swelling at the back of the throat. Text reads: Pain and inflammation at the back of the throat.
At the top right is the KidsHealth logo with the website: kidshealth.org.nz.
What is a sore throat?
A sore throat is pain, irritation, or scratchiness in the throat. It is very common in tamariki and rangatahi. Most of the time, a sore throat is not serious and gets better in a few days.
Sometimes a sore throat is due to strep throat which needs treatment with antibiotics to prevent complications. See the strep throat page for more information.
Strep Throat In Children & Young People
Some tamariki with a sore throat may have tonsillitis. Tonsillitis is when the tonsils at the back of the throat become red, swollen, and sore.
Tonsillitis In Children & Young People
Symptoms of sore throats in children and young people
Tamariki and rangatahi with a sore throat may:
- have pain or discomfort in the throat
- have pain when swallowing
- not want to eat or drink
- drool more than usual
- have red or swollen tonsils
- have swollen glands in the neck
- have a fever
Some tamariki and rangatahi can also have a headache, tummy pain, vomiting, or feel very tired.
Causes of sore throats in children and young people
Viruses
Viruses are the most common cause of sore throats. Viruses that cause colds, flu and glandular fever can all cause sore throats.
Glandular fever (caused by the Epstein–Barr virus) can cause a sore throat, fever, swollen neck glands, and tiredness, especially in teenagers.
Glandular Fever In Children & Young People
Bacteria
Group A Streptococcus is a bacteria that causes strep throat. Strep throat needs treatment with antibiotics to prevent complications like rheumatic fever. Strep throat is more common in school-age tamariki.
Strep Throat In Children & Young People
What to do if your child has a sore throat
Most sore throats are caused by a virus. But some sore throats are caused by strep throat. Strep throat needs treatment with antibiotics to prevent complications.
It can be hard to tell the difference between a viral sore throat and strep throat. If your child has a sore throat, you can call Healthline on 0800 611 116 or take them to see a health professional. A health professional can examine your child and test for strep throat.
Where to get your child's sore throat checked
Your health professional
Go to a healthcare provider - this may be your local medical practice, after hours medical centre or hospital emergency department.
Some pharmacies can do sore throat checks.
Your child's school
Your child's school may have a free sore throat checking programme. Contact the school to find out.
It is important that all Māori and Pasifika children with a sore throat see a health professional. They are at greatest risk of developing rheumatic fever - a serious complication of strep throat.
A video about the importance of getting your child's sore throat checked for strep throat as this can lead to rheumatic fever.
Source: Ministry of Health
Strep Throat In Children & Young People
Rheumatic Fever In Children & Young People
Healthline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0800 611 116. Call Healthline if you need advice about a child of any age who is unwell, hurt, or has any symptoms of sickness. It's free to callers throughout New Zealand, including from a mobile phone.
When to get medical help for your child with a sore throat
When to see a health professional
See a health professional if:
- your child has symptoms that are not improving after 48 hours
- your child has not been drinking well for more than 24 hours
- your child has difficulty swallowing
- you are worried
It is important that all Māori and Pasifika children with a sore throat see a health professional. They are at greatest risk of developing rheumatic fever - a serious complication of strep throat.
When to see a health professional urgently
See a health professional urgently if your child with a sore throat:
- is drooling much more than usual
- cannot swallow
- is very drowsy
When to call 111
Call 111 within New Zealand (use the appropriate emergency number in other countries) and ask for urgent medical help if your child:
- is blue around the mouth
- is struggling to breathe
- is becoming very sleepy and not easy to wake up
- is floppy
Managing sore throats in children and young people
Viral sore throats do not need antibiotics. The body gets over the infection on its own.
If your child tests positive for strep throat, they will need antibiotics for 10 days. It’s important your child takes their antibiotics as prescribed, even if their symptoms improve. Taking the full course of antibiotics helps to prevent complications. Keep your child home from preschool or school until 24 hours after starting antibiotics.
Strep Throat In Children & Young People
Looking after your child with a sore throat
Pain relief medicine
Paracetamol
If your child has pain, you can give paracetamol to make them more comfortable. You must follow the dosage instructions on the bottle. It is dangerous to give more than the recommended dose.
Other medicine
Your health professional may give your child ibuprofen (such as Nurofen or Fenpaed). You can also buy it at the pharmacy. In both cases, follow the dosage instructions carefully. It is dangerous to give more than the recommended dose.
Never give aspirin
Never give your child aspirin, as this may increase the risk of Reye syndrome. This is a rare and serious illness.
Encourage your child to rest
Your child may feel tired and low in energy when they are unwell. Encourage them to rest. Keep your child home from preschool or school until 24 hours after starting antibiotics.
Give plenty of fluids
Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids. Offer small, frequent sips of water. Your child may prefer cool liquids or ice blocks.
Warm liquids like home-made honey and lemon drinks may also help soothe a sore throat. Pēpi should be at least 12 months old before they have honey.
Offer soft foods
Certain types of foods may be uncomfortable for your child to eat. Offer your child soft, easy-to-swallow foods such as yoghurt or smoothies.
Warm salt water gargle
Older tamariki may find that a saltwater gargle helps ease their sore throat. You can make this by mixing 1 teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water. Tell your child to spit it down the sink after they gargle. Make sure they don't swallow the salt water, as this can upset their tummy.
Acknowledgements
Illustrations by Dr Greta File. Property of KidsHealth.
