When to See a Pediatrician for a Sore Throat

A sore throat is common everywhere, including in Waxahachie, TX. It can affect both adults and children. When it is your child who has a sore throat, you may be much more worried than when it happens to yourself. When to take your child to see a pediatrician can also cause concerns. Dr. Mary Strength of Pediatric Healthcare Associates and her staff are always available to answer questions and to see patients when necessary. 

Common causes of sore throat in children

 Many things can cause a sore throat in Waxahachie, TX, and not all of them have anything to do with an underlying illness. If the voice is overused, it can cause a sore throat. Sleeping with an open mouth can also lead to sore throat pain. Illnesses that cause a sore throat include:

• Common cold
• Strep
• Sore throat caused by a virus without other cold symptoms
• Post-nasal Drip
• Tonsillitis

When you need to call the pediatrician within 24 hours

If you have an infant under the age of two with any symptoms that indicate a sore throat.

If your child has enlarged lymph nodes in the neck.

A fever that lasts more than three days is a cause for concern.

If facial pain is involved in the sinus area and under the eyes.

If your child has a bad sore throat, and it doesn't respond to ibuprofen within two hours.

Exposure to someone with strep throat requires a call to the pediatrician. 

Call your pediatrician immediately

If your child's fever is more than 104 degrees. 

If you notice your child has a stiff neck or difficulty turning their head.

Serious difficulty swallowing, even water or spit. 

If any signs of dehydration are present. 

If you have concerns about how sick your child is, don't hesitate to call the pediatrician immediately. 

Call 911

If your child is having trouble breathing, don't hesitate to get immediate help. 

For a sore throat in Waxahachie, TX, contact Dr. Strength of Pediatric Healthcare Associates. Give our office a call at (972) 937-1221 to make an appointment or to share a concern.