COMMON CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES AND CONDITIONS

PHARYNGITIS

Most sore throats are part of a cold and caused by viruses or bacteria. A throat culture is the only way to distinguish viral and bacterial sore throats. Viral sore throats usually last 3-4 days and go away on their own. Strep throats respond nicely to antibiotics. Please remember to allow 48 hours for antibiotics to work.

HOME CARE

• Older children can gargle with warm salt water (1 tsp./glass) regularly
• Older children can suck on hard candy (butterscotch, peppermints and lemon seem to be favorites) as often as needed
• Provide soft, cool foods until relief is evident
• Use a straw to drink fluids with calories
• Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen in appropriate dosages to relieve pain or fever

CALL YOUR DOCTOR DURING OFFICE HOURS IF:

• The sore throat has been present over 24 hours
• Any swollen or tender lymph glands in the neck
• Associated abdominal pain is present
• Your child has had recent contact with someone with strep throat or impetigo
• A sunburned-looking rash appears
• Yellow or white spots on the tonsils appear while looking at them with a light

CALL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY IF:

• Drooling or great difficulty swallowing occurs
• Your child can't fully open his mouth
• Breathing is difficult and not due to a stuffy nose
• Your child is acting very sick