A to Z Symptom: Sore Throat

May also be called: Tonsillitis; Strep Throat

A painful, red, or raspy throat is common at any age and can be one of the first signs of an illness, like a cold.

What Causes a Sore Throat?

A sore throat can be caused by many things, from viral infections (most often, the common cold or flu) and bacterial infections (strep throat and some cases of tonsillitis) to seasonal allergies and gastroesophageal reflux (GER).

How Is a Sore Throat Treated?

Treatment for a sore throat will depend on what's causing it. Treating an underlying condition (like GER, bacterial tonsillitis, or allergies) can bring relief. Strep throat requires medical treatment with antibiotics, which helps improve symptoms quickly.

Help ease symptoms with the follow home care:

• sip warm liquids
• gargle with saltwater
• run a cool mist humidifier at night
• avoiding irritants, like smoke
• eat cold or frozen liquids (such as ice pops)
• suck on hard candy or throat lozenges (for kids age 4 or older)
• take ibuprofen or acetaminophen as needed

What Else Should I Know?

To help prevent catching an illness that can cause a sore throat, have kids:

• wash hands well and often
• keep eating utensils separate and wash them in hot, soapy water or a dishwasher after each use
• not share food, drinks, napkins, or towels
• sneeze or cough into a shirtsleeve, not the hands.