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Sore Throat

Sore throats are common in children. A sore throat may be due to tonsillitis or sinusitis.

Most cases of tonsillitis are caused by viruses. Only about 20% of tonsillitis cases are due to germs such as Strep. A diagnosis of "strep throat" generally cannot be made without a throat test or culture. Strep throat is only one type of tonsillitis. Strep throat is much more serious than the viral type of sore throat. It definitely needs an antibiotic to prevent rheumatic fever, rheumatic heart disease or kidney problems. Any sore throat lasting more than 24 hours or associated with fever, requires an office visit.

Severe or persistent sore throat may indicate a more complex problem such as mononucleosis, abscess or cellulitis and must be seen in the office.

Sinusitis, a complication of the ordinary cold, often causes a sore throat. In this situation the tonsils may be totally uninvolved. Do not ignore the complaint of a sore throat just because the tonsils look normal.