Sore Throat in North Texas

Most children get a sore throat (pharyngitis) every now and then. Usually, a sore throat feels like an irritated, raw, or scratchy sensation in the back of the throat with the pain worsening when they swallow. At times, sore throats clear up on their own. If a sore throat persists or gets worse, it could be a sign of an infection, such as tonsillitis (tonsil inflammation), strep throat, a cold, the flu, or mononucleosis. A sore throat may be accompanied by a fever, cough, runny nose, throat swelling, or trouble swallowing. At Cross Timbers ENT, our specialists diagnose and treat pediatric throat problems at our locations in Arlington, Mansfield, and Midlothian, TX.

When your child complains of a sore throat, there are a few ways to help ease the pain:

• Drink plenty of liquids
• Eat cold foods, like popsicles
• Stick with soft food
• Gargle with warm salt water
• Try warm fluids, like chicken broth
• Use throat sprays or lozenges

If symptoms persist for more than a day, it's probably time to see the doctor. The professionals at Cross Timbers ENT will examine your child's throat and may perform a rapid strep test to rule out strep throat. Based on the diagnosis, the appropriate treatment will be given, such as prescription medication. For bacterial infections, we can prescribe antibiotics. If your child has chronic tonsillitis, we may recommend tonsil removal surgery.

A sore throat is a common complaint among children, but it can sometimes indicate strep throat or another infection. If your child has a persistent or recurring sore throat, contact the expert team at Cross Timbers ENT. Our doctors diagnose and treat throat problems to help kids get back to feeling better. We offer convenient care at all of our North Texas locations so schedule an appointment today.

Can a sore throat be a sign of something more serious?
Yes, while many sore throats are caused by viral infections, some may indicate strep throat, tonsillitis, or even mononucleosis. If symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by a rash, joint pain, or extreme fatigue, a medical evaluation is recommended.

When should I take my child to the doctor for a sore throat?
A mild sore throat may resolve on its own, but parents are generally encouraged to have their child's sore throat evaluated if they are experiencing:

• A sore throat lasting more than a few days
• High or persistent fever
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• White patches or pus on the tonsils
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

Does my child need their tonsils removed if they keep getting sore throats?
Frequent sore throats due to recurrent tonsillitis or strep infections may make a child a candidate for a tonsillectomy. If your child has multiple infections per year, difficulty breathing due to enlarged tonsils, or trouble sleeping, one of our qualified ENT specialists can determine if tonsil removal is the best option.