Red flags & when to go in person for Sore Throat (Pharyngitis) in Children

Audience: pediatric

A sore throat, or pharyngitis, is common in children and often caused by viruses. It usually gets better on its own with rest and fluids. However, some signs mean your child needs to see a healthcare provider in person. These include difficulty breathing, trouble swallowing, high fever, or if symptoms last more than a week. Telemedicine can help assess mild sore throats and guide care, but cannot replace a physical exam when serious symptoms are present. Knowing when to seek in-person care helps keep your child safe and ensures they get the right treatment quickly.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing — seek emergency care immediately.
• Inability to swallow saliva or drooling — go to a healthcare facility promptly.
• High fever above 39°C (102°F) lasting more than 2 days — see a healthcare provider in person.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild sore throat symptoms
• Providing home care advice
• Guiding when to seek in-person care
• Symptom monitoring and follow-up

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination of the throat and neck
• Performing throat swabs or lab tests
• Managing severe breathing difficulties
• Treating complications like abscesses or severe infections

What is a Sore Throat (Pharyngitis)?

A sore throat means pain or irritation in the throat, often making it hard or uncomfortable to swallow. Pharyngitis is the medical term for this condition. It is common in children and usually caused by viruses, but sometimes bacteria or other causes can be involved.

Common Symptoms of Sore Throat in Children

Children with a sore throat may have:

Most sore throats improve within a few days with rest and fluids.

When to Seek In-Person Care: Red Flags

Some signs may mean your child needs urgent medical attention:

If you notice these, take your child to a healthcare facility promptly.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine allows you to consult a healthcare provider remotely. It can help:

However, telemedicine cannot perform physical exams or tests needed for serious cases.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your tele-visit:

This helps the provider make the best assessment.

After the Telemedicine Visit

Follow the provider's advice carefully. This may include:

If your child's condition changes, seek urgent care immediately.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down your child's symptoms and their duration
• Measure and note your child's temperature
• List any medications your child is currently taking
• Choose a quiet, well-lit place for the telemedicine call
• Be prepared to describe your child's breathing, swallowing, and behavior changes

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's home care instructions
• Monitor your child's symptoms closely
• Seek in-person care if symptoms worsen or red flags appear
• Use prescribed medications exactly as directed
• Schedule follow-up visits if recommended

FAQs

Can a sore throat in my child be treated through telemedicine?

Mild sore throats can often be assessed via telemedicine. Providers can give advice on home care and decide if your child needs to be seen in person. However, serious symptoms require physical examination.

When should I take my child to the emergency room for a sore throat?

Go to the emergency room if your child has trouble breathing, cannot swallow saliva, drools excessively, has a very high fever, or shows severe neck swelling. These are signs of potentially serious illness.

How long does a typical sore throat last in children?

Most sore throats caused by viruses improve within 3 to 7 days. If symptoms last longer than a week or get worse, seek medical evaluation.

Is it safe to give my child over-the-counter medicine for sore throat pain?

Yes, medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce pain and fever. Always follow dosing instructions and check with your healthcare provider if unsure.

Sources

1. Sore Throat in Children — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Pharyngitis (Sore Throat) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Sore Throat — Mayo Clinic.
4. Pharyngitis: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child shows any danger signs or if you are concerned, seek immediate medical attention.