How to prepare for a video visit about Sore Throat (Pharyngitis) in Children

Audience: pediatric

A sore throat, or pharyngitis, is a common condition in children that can cause discomfort and difficulty swallowing. Many sore throats are caused by viral infections and improve without antibiotics, but some may need medical attention. Preparing for a video visit can help you and your child get the most from the appointment. During the visit, a healthcare provider will ask about symptoms, look for signs of infection, and suggest care steps. This guide explains how to get ready for a telemedicine visit about a child's sore throat, what to expect, and when to seek urgent care. Remember, telemedicine is a helpful tool for advice and triage but is not a substitute for in-person evaluation when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has difficulty breathing or noisy breathing.
• Child cannot swallow liquids or is drooling excessively.
• Child has a high fever (above 39°C or 102°F) that does not improve with fever reducers or lasts more than 3 days.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessing common sore throat symptoms and severity.
• Providing advice on home care and symptom management.
• Determining if in-person evaluation or testing is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing throat swab tests to diagnose bacterial infections.
• Treating severe breathing difficulties or emergencies.
• Prescribing certain medications without in-person assessment when required.

What is a Sore Throat (Pharyngitis)?

A sore throat means pain, scratchiness, or irritation in the throat that often worsens when swallowing. In children, it is usually caused by viral infections like the common cold but can also be due to bacterial infections such as strep throat. Symptoms may include redness in the throat, swollen glands, cough, or fever.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine allows you to connect with a healthcare provider through a video call. The provider can ask questions about your child's symptoms, observe the throat and general appearance, and give advice on care. This can help decide if your child needs in-person care or can be treated at home.

Preparing for the Video Visit

Before the visit, gather information about your child's symptoms, such as when they started, severity, presence of fever, cough, or rash. Have a flashlight or good lighting ready to help show the child's throat. Make sure your device is charged and connected to the internet. Write down any questions you want to ask.

What to Expect During the Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about symptoms and may ask you to help show the child's throat using the camera. They will assess for signs that suggest a bacterial infection or other concerns. Based on the information, they will recommend treatment or if an in-person visit or tests are needed.

When to Seek Immediate Care

Some signs require urgent evaluation in person or emergency care. These include trouble breathing, difficulty swallowing saliva, drooling, severe pain, high fever, or if the child is very sleepy or unresponsive. Telemedicine providers can help identify these red flags but cannot treat emergencies remotely.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note the start date and progression of symptoms.
• Check and record the child's temperature.
• Find a well-lit area for the video call.
• Have a flashlight or phone light ready to help show the throat.
• Prepare a list of questions or concerns.
• Ensure your device is charged and connected to the internet.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on home care or medications.
• Monitor the child's symptoms closely for improvement or worsening.
• Seek in-person care if red flags or new symptoms develop.
• Keep the video visit contact information handy for follow-up questions.

FAQs

Can a sore throat be treated through a video visit?

Many sore throats, especially those caused by viruses, can be managed with advice from a telemedicine visit. The provider can guide on symptom relief and when to seek further care.

When should I take my child to see a doctor in person?

If your child has difficulty breathing, cannot swallow, drools a lot, has a very high fever, or seems very sick, you should seek in-person medical care promptly.

Can the doctor prescribe antibiotics during a video visit?

Sometimes, if the provider suspects a bacterial infection and it is safe to do so, they may prescribe antibiotics. However, often a throat swab is needed, which requires an in-person visit.

How can I help my child feel better at home?

Encourage rest, offer plenty of fluids, use fever reducers as advised, and provide soothing foods like warm soups or cold treats. Avoid irritants like smoke.

Sources

1. Sore Throat — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Pharyngitis (Sore Throat) in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
3. Pharyngitis — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Sore Throat: Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or you are concerned about their health, seek immediate medical attention or visit a healthcare facility.