Pharyngitis In Children

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it? Pharyngitis (fair-in-JI-tis) or "sore throat" is an infection (in-FECK-shun) of the pharynx (FAIR-inks). The pharynx is the area between the tonsils and the larynx (LAIR-inks). The larynx is also called the voice box. This whole area is called the throat. Pharyngitis may be the first sign that your child has an illness like a cold or the flu.

Causes: Pharyngitis is caused by a germ called a bacteria (bak-TEER-e-uh) or a virus. It is spread from an infected person to others by coughing, sneezing, or touching and sharing food and drinks. Germs are easily spread in schools, daycare centers, work, and at home. Your child may be at a higher risk of getting pharyngitis if he is very tired (run down) or has been in cold, wet weather.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Raw, red, and swollen throat.
  
  
• Feeling of a lump in the throat.
  
  
• Upset stomach.
  
  
• Fever, headache, or earache.
  
  
• Cough and runny nose.
  
  
• Problems talking, breathing, swallowing, and sleeping.
  
  
• Not hungry.
  
  
• Fussy, achy (A-kee), and tired.
  
  
• Tender, swollen areas on the sides of your child's neck.
  
  
• Whitish-yellow patches or blisters in the back of your child's throat or on his tonsils.

Care: A caregiver will look at your child's throat. A throat culture may be done. This is a test that may help your caregiver learn which type of germ is causing the sore throat. A throat culture is done by rubbing a cotton swab against the back of your child's throat.

• Antibiotic medicine is needed if a germ called streptococcus (STREP-toe-kah-kus) or "strep" is causing your child's sore throat. Other family members may need to have a throat culture if strep is causing your child's sore throat.
  
  
• No special treatment is needed if your child's sore throat is caused by a virus (a type of germ). Antibiotic medicine will not help a sore throat caused by a virus.
  
  
• Help your child to rest as much as possible. Do not smoke around your child. If your child's throat is very sore, he may not feel like eating or drinking very much. Give your child soft foods like popsicles, frozen fruit pops, jello, or warm soups. These foods may feel good going down your child's throat while it is very sore. Give your child 6 to 8 glasses (soda pop can size) of liquids like water and fruit juices each day. Run a cool mist humidifier in your child's room. If your child is 8 years or older, have him gargle with a mixture of 1 teaspoon salt in 1 cup warm water.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your child's care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat your child.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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