A common complaint from sick children is a sore throat. Sore throats can be incredibly painful and cause difficulty with eating and drinking, which can lead to dehydration. Thankfully, most causes of sore throat do not require an emergency medical visit.
There are also several things you can try at home to help your child's throat hurt less.
Remember to avoid overly acidic foods or fluids (like orange or other citrus juice) as well as spicy food. If your child's sore throat isn't getting better within a few days, or if you're worried, you should bring your child in for a visit with a medical provider.
Visit an emergency room for:
Signs a sore throat needs same-day medical attention:
This illness guide is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
If you think your child may have a life threatening emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.