PHARYNGITIS

Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the throat, which causes a sore throat.  It can be caused by viruses, or by bacteria, such as strep.  A sore throat is most often viral in origin, often as part of a cold, from a postnasal drip.  Tonsillitis (swelling of the tonsils) can be caused by any throat infection, bacterial or viral. Children can also wake up with a sore throat if they sleep with their mouths open, which can be relieved by having something to drink.

Two common viral etiologies of sore throats are mononucleosis and Coxsackie pharyngitis (Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease).  Mono can occur at any age, but is much more common in adolescents and young adults.  We may test for mono if the pharyngitis is persistent. Please see this section for more information about mono.  Coxsackie is mostly a summertime virus and usually causes blisters in the back of the throat. Please see this section for more information about Coxsackie.

To diagnose strep pharyngitis, your child needs to be seen and a throat swab performed to do a rapid strep test and a throat culture.  We do an overnight throat culture if the rapid strep is negative to be sure we don’t have a false negative, which can occur if the test is done too early.

Sore throats that are caused by viruses usually last 4-5 days and go away by themselves.  Strep pharyngitis, which is treated with an antibiotic, will feel better within 24 hours of the medication being started. After 24 hours your child is no longer contagious and can return to school or day care.

To help your child feel better, you can give them lots of fluids to drink and ibuprofen or acetaminophen.  Do not give leftover antibiotics from other family members, friends or the patient himself. They only help with strep pharyngitis and not with viruses and they can cause harm if not needed.

If your child is not improving, acting sicker or has difficulty swallowing or breathing, you should call us.



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