When is a sore throat a more serious infection?

Introduction

Sore throat is common among adults and children. A bacterial or viral infection commonly causes it. A sore throat almost always resolves independently, but sometimes it might require medications like antibiotics. There are rare cases in which sore throat turns life-threatening in children. This blog will educate the readers on all of the above. 

What is a sore throat?

A sore throat is characterised by a dry, scratchy, and painful sensation in the throat, particularly when swallowing and speaking. Sore throats can be categorised into three types based on the affected area of the throat:

Pharyngitis: This involves swelling and soreness in the throat

Tonsillitis: This entails swelling and redness of the tonsils.

Laryngitis: This refers to redness of the voice box or larynx. 

When an individual experiences a sore throat, they may describe it as :

Scratchy, Burning, Raw, Dry, Tender and Irritated.

Causes of sore throat

Various factors can contribute to the development of a sore throat, with the most common ones being:

• Bacterial infection
• Allergies 
• Viral infection 
• Environmental factors

Below are some common and severe causes of sore throat in children.

Sore throat in children

Viral Pharyngitis

The pharynx is a tube in the back of the throat. When the pharynx is inflamed due to the presence of a virus, it is called viral pharyngitis. When left unnoticed, it might lead to swelling of glands in severe cases. Along with sore throat, it may often produce symptoms such as,

• Painful neck glands
• Fever & chills
• Ear pain
• Hoarseness in voice
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headaches 

Pharyngitis caused by a virus doesn’t have any medication. It has to resolve on its own. One can support their child by giving them a healthy diet, excess fluids and a lot of rest. 

Mono

Mono is a very contagious viral infection spread through saliva. The most common cause of Mono is due to Epstein-Barr virus. It is widespread among children. Along with sore throat, it causes other symptoms such as,

• Fever
• Headache
• Body ache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swollen spleen
• Fatigue

Mono has no cure, and antibiotics do not work in this case. A healthy diet, complete rest, and fluids will help with recovery. Mono should resolve on its own in a week.

Common Cold 

Common cold is one of the most recurrent illnesses in children. They may contract cold from direct contact or through air. Most sore throats are part of a cold. When there’s inflammation in the lining of the throat and nose, it indicates the presence of cold. Apart from these, the symptoms include,

• Headaches
• Congestion
• Mild fever
• Watery eyes
• Runny/stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Sore throat

There is no particular medicine for the common cold; after consulting with the physician, treatments for managing pain might be prescribed for the child. Otherwise, taking a good amount of liquid and eating healthy food is recommended.

 Postnasal Drip

When excess mucus drips down in the back of the throat, it is called a postnasal drip. Mucus is produced regularly by the glands in the nose lining and usually goes unnoticed because it’s in small amounts. The symptoms of postnasal drip include:

• Hoarseness
• Bad breath
• Cough
• Nausea
• Sore throat
• Frequent swallowing 

Postnasal drip is treated by treating the underlying cause of it. Like, postnasal drip due to allergies is treated with Antihistamines, which block the production of histamines. Meanwhile, most cases of postnasal drip caused by sinus infection are treated with antibiotics. 

Epiglottitis 

Epiglottitis is a severe condition in which the epiglottis, a piece of cartilage covering the windpipe, is swelled, causing it to obstruct the flow of air into the child’s lungs. It is a bacterial infection that spreads through the upper respiratory tract and is usually caused by a bacteria called Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib). The symptoms are,

• Drooling
• Muffled voice
• Fever
• Very sore throat
• Unable to speak
• Keeping your mouth open 
• Upper respiratory infection

Epiglottitis needs immediate care as it is life-threatening. The airway needs to be secured so the child can breathe; antibiotics are given after this. Sometimes, the child might need help breathing; they are assisted with machines and are closely monitored.  

Strep Pharyngitis

Viruses cause more sore throats than bacteria, but strep throat is an exception. Strep throat is caused by Group A streptococcus, where puss is seen on the tonsils. Rheumatic fever is a rare complication caused by strep pharyngitis. The symptoms include,

• Red and swollen tonsils
• Painful and swollen neck glands
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Loss of appetite 
• Nausea and vomiting

Strep pharyngitis might resolve independently in a few days, but to speed up the process, the physician may prescribe an antibiotic. It is recommended that the child finishes the course of antibiotics. 

Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is the swelling of tonsils in the back of the throat. They are a part of the immune system as they help make antibodies to fight germs from entering the mouth. Tonsillitis is a common infection, and bacteria or viruses might cause it. The symptoms are,

• Ear pain
• Fever
• Swollen and red tonsils
• Congested or have a runny nose
• Pain while swallowing
• Redness in the throat

Tonsils resolve on their own in a few days in most cases. Still, when the intensity is higher, the physician may prescribe antibiotics if it is caused by bacteria and pain relief medicines if viruses cause it. 

Retropharyngeal abscess

Lymph nodes at the back of the throat keep germs at bay from the mouth. Retropharyngeal abscess is when bacteria grow on these lymph nodes, resulting in the collection of puss on the lymph nodes. The symptoms are,

• Stiff neck due to pain
• Sore throat
• Drool
• Swollen neck or glands
• Trouble breathing
• Chest pain
• Hoarse voice

A child might need antibiotics through IV (directly into veins) and sometimes might even need surgery to drain the excess abscess. Sometimes, in severe cases, the child might need the support of a breathing tube. 

Peritonsillar abscess

It is a puss-filled tissue at the back of the throat. Peritonsillar abscess causes swelling, pushing the tonsils towards the uvula. This makes it extremely painful and difficult to open one’s mouth and sometimes even breathe. 

• Red & swollen tonsils
• Fever and chill
• Pain while swallowing
• Headache 
• Drooling
• Bad breath
• Muffled voice

The excess puss is taken out by a doctor either by sucking it out using a needle or by making a small incision and draining the puss out. Sometimes, the tonsils are removed depending on the frequency of the infection. Painkillers and antibiotics are prescribed for less severe cases in which the child must complete the entire course of treatment. 

Conclusion 

Sore throat among children usually clears up in a couple of days. It is better to consult a physician when it prolongs more than that or when the child finds it difficult to breathe or starts to drool and finds it extremely painful to swallow. If bacteria cause it, antibiotics will be given to eliminate the infection.

If the sore throat is due to a virus, it will run its course and get better, but painkillers might be given to withstand the symptoms. Sore throat due to allergies is often treated by treating the cause of the allergy and by providing the required medicines. Even though sore throat among children is very common, it is better to stay aware, as children are more delicate than adults and are more susceptible. 

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