Sore throat & tonsillitis
A sore throat is common in children and is usually caused by a virus. Tonsillitis is when the tonsils at the back of the throat become inflamed. Some throat infections are caused by bacteria and need antibiotics.
This guide is general information for parents, not a diagnosis. If you are worried about your child, contact a doctor.
Go to emergency straight away if
Go to the nearest hospital emergency department, or call 1122.
- Your child is drooling and cannot swallow their saliva.
- Your child has difficulty breathing or makes a high-pitched noise when breathing in.
- Your child cannot open their mouth fully, or has a muffled voice.
- There is a swelling on one side of the throat or neck.
Viral or bacterial?
A sore throat that comes with a cold, a cough and a runny nose is usually viral and gets better within a week. A sudden sore throat with fever, swollen tonsils with white patches and tender glands in the neck may be a bacterial (strep) infection.
The doctor can examine your child’s throat and decide whether antibiotics are needed. If they are prescribed, finish the whole course even when your child feels better.
Easing the pain at home
- Offer cool drinks and soft foods that are easy to swallow.
- Make sure your child keeps drinking, even if swallowing hurts.
- Pain relief can help. Give it only as the doctor advises or as the label says for your child’s age and weight.
- Older children can gargle with warm salty water.
Book an appointment if
- The sore throat lasts more than 4 days, or comes with a high fever.
- The tonsils are swollen with white patches, or the neck glands are swollen and tender.
- Your child has a rash, ear pain or is drinking much less.
- Your child keeps getting tonsillitis.
Dr Amir Rasheed sees children at 56 Sultan Mehmood Rd, Mehmood Booti, Shalamar Town, Lahore, 54000. Monday–Saturday, 7:00 pm–midnight. Sunday, 11:30 am–5:00 pm.
Good care starts with a conversation.
Request a consultation with Dr Amir Rasheed. Clinic staff will confirm an available time.