Acute sore throat is commonly associated with tonsillitis resulting from inflammation of the throat, with associated soreness, fever, and minimal nasal involvement. It may be secondary to either a viral or bacterial infection. A common bacterial cause is Strep throat which needs medical treatment, generally consisting of a throat culture and antibiotic therapy. If the infection is streptococcal, antibiotic therapy should be administered for a total of 10 days. Improvement is generally seen in 24-48 hours. Children may return to school in 24 hours after starting antibiotics. Family members who are symptomatic should also have cultures taken.

In the teens and early twenties infectious mononucleosis due to a virus may be the cause of an acute sore throat. Infectious mononucleosis generally presents with a sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, headache, diffuse sore muscles, lack of appetite, and fatigue. The diagnosis is made be a blood test, and although there is no definite treatment, these patients should be followed by a physician. Occasionally complications such as hepatitis, an enlarged spleen, or a prolonged course of illness may occur but most people recover with supportive care in 1-4 weeks.

Symptomatic relief may be obtained for a sore throat by gargling with warm salt water (1 tsp. salt in 8 oz. water), sucking on hard candy, and taking Tylenol every 4-6 hours as needed.

Call your physician or come to the emergency room if:

1. The child develops severe pain, drooling, difficulty breathing, or large swollen lymph nodes.

2. There is evidence of infection elsewhere.

3. The fever lasts longer than 48 hours.

4. Any signs of dehydration develop.

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