Chronic Sore Throat

A chronic sore throat is characterized by pain, scratchiness, or irritation of the throat, which persists for more than ten days. It often becomes more pronounced when swallowing. The most frequent cause of a sore throat (pharyngitis) is a viral infection, such as a cold or flu, which typically resolves on its own.

Acute pharyngitis is more common than chronic pharyngitis, with symptoms usually subsiding within ten days. In contrast, chronic sore throat persists for much longer, often lasting several weeks. Treatment for a chronic sore throat generally focuses on alleviating symptoms until the infection clears.

Chronic sore throat in children can be a troubling and persistent condition, affecting their comfort, health, and overall well-being. At Kimball Health Services, we understand the impact chronic sore throat can have on your child's daily life and development.

Our dedicated team specializes in diagnosing and treating the root causes of chronic sore throat, ensuring comprehensive and compassionate care for your child.

Chronic Sore Throat in Children

Chronic sore throats in children can be attributed to various underlying causes, each requiring different approaches for diagnosis and treatment. Common viral and bacterial infections may cause a sore throat in children.

Common Cold

Viral infections like the common cold typically cause sore throats in children. This condition is more common during winter but can occur year-round. Common colds can cause sore, scratchy throat, fever, runny nose, and cough in your child.

Antibiotics are not effective for a sore throat caused by a virus. These infections usually resolve within 7 to 10 days without medication. The best way to care for a cold and sore throat is to keep your child comfortable and ensure they get plenty of fluids and rest.

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by enteroviruses and most often spreads among young children during summer and fall. Early symptoms may include fever, sore throat, or mouth pain.

It may be followed by a rash that appears particularly on the hands, feet, buttocks, and around the mouth. When sores form in the mouth and throat, swallowing becomes painful.

Strep Throat

Strep throat is caused by streptococcal bacteria and typically occurs in children aged 5 to 15. It commonly happens during winter and early spring.

Symptoms include a sore throat, pus on the tonsils, difficulty swallowing, fever, and swollen glands. Children may also complain of headaches and stomach aches and develop a red, sandpaper-like rash on their bodies.

Symptoms of Chronic Sore Throat

Contact the doctor if your child with sore throat shows the following symptoms:

Scratchy sensation in the throat
Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Excessive drooling
Fever
Cough
Sneezing and runny nose
Swelling of the neck
Inability or unwillingness to drink or eat
Muffled voice
Difficulty opening the mouth
Stiff neck
Swollen, red tonsils

Causes of Chronic Sore Throat

Common causes of chronic sore throat in children include:

Viral infections such as the common cold and flu
Bacterial infections
Recurrent inflammation of the tonsils
Seasonal allergies or allergic reactions
Acid reflux can irritate the throat
Environmental Irritants like smoke and pollution

Diagnosis & Treatment of Chronic Sore Throat

We review your child's symptoms and medical history and conduct a physical exam that includes examining the throat and nasal passages and feeling the neck to check for swollen glands. We may also take a throat swab for a rapid antigen test. It is instrumental in detecting streptococcal bacteria, the cause of strep throat.

Treatment for chronic sore throat depends on the underlying cause.

A chronic sore throat caused by a viral infection typically lasts five to seven days and doesn't require medical treatment since antibiotics are ineffective against viruses. Our doctor may prescribe over-the-counter pain medications for your child to alleviate pain and fever.

If a bacterial infection causes a sore throat, our doctor prescribes antibiotics. It is crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed. Failure to do so can worsen the infection or spread to other body parts.

Some children with a sore throat may hesitate to drink or eat due to pain, increasing the risk of dehydration. If your child shows signs of moderate or severe dehydration, we may recommend salt-water gargles, topical anesthetic throat sprays, and medicated throat lozenges.

Self-Care for Chronic Sore Throats

Following at-home care strategies can help ease your child's symptoms:

Ensure your child gets plenty of sleep and rest
Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
Give warm liquids such as broth, caffeine-free tea, or warm water with honey
Make your child gargle with salt water
Use a cool-air humidifier to add moisture to the air, reducing throat irritation
Make sure your child stays at home until no longer sick

Preventing Chronic Sore Throat

Avoiding germs and practicing good hygiene is the best way to prevent sore throats. Here are some tips to follow and teach your child:

Wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the toilet, after sneezing or coughing, and before and after eating
Do not share food, drinking glasses, or utensils
Cough or sneeze into a tissue and discard it immediately, then wash your hands. If a tissue is not available, sneeze into your elbow
Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers
Avoid touching your face, particularly the eyes, nose, and mouth
Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched objects
Avoid close contact with people who are sick or show symptoms

Managing Chronic Sore Throat in Kimball, NE

At Kimball Health Services, we provide compassionate and effective care for children with chronic sore throats. Our dedicated team offers comprehensive treatment, monitors the child’s progress, and educates you on preventive measures to ensure optimal care for your child.

As one of the top critical access hospitals in the nation, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.

In case of an emergency, call 911 or walk into our emergency department anytime. For appointments, call us at 308-235-1966 or request an appointment online. We're here for you whenever you need us.