Sore Throat in Children

Content originally from Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System

Sore throats happen all the time in childhood and are often nothing to worry about. Most of the time they are simply part of a common cold and will get better without any treatment.  Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils, found at the back of the mouth – they will become swollen and painful. It is a common childhood illness, and it is most commonly caused by a viral infection, but some are caused by bacteria.  What are the signs and symptoms of tonsillitis?  Common symptoms A sore throat Pain on swallowing Pain may be referred to the ears Small children may complain of abdominal pain Headache Cough Changes in the voice High temperature (fever) Feeling sick Feeling tired Other signs The tonsils may swell and become red Pus may appear as white spots on the tonsils Swollen painful glands in your child’s neck. This feels like lumps on the side of the neck Bad breath Symptoms typically get worse over two to three days and then gradually go, usually within a week. How to help your child Tonsillitis usually has to run its course. To help ease the symptoms: Make sure your child rests and gets plenty of sleep. Encourage your child to drink plenty of cool drinks to soothe the throat. A diet of soft foods may help if your child is having difficulty swallowing. Give your child paracetamol or ibuprofen. This will help improve the symptoms of pain and fever. Antibiotics make little difference to how long symptoms last.  When antibiotics are given, it is because the doctor or practitioner suspects a bacterial infection.

When to get help from a medical professional You should see a GP or contact NHS 111 when your child: has white pus-filled spots on your tonsils, their sore throat is so painful it’s difficult to eat or drink. You should contact 999 or attend the emergency department when the tonsils are significantly swollen, and your child is having difficulty speaking, swallowing, breathing or opening the mouth.

When can my child return to school? Children may return to school after the fever has resolved and they are no longer feeling unwell. It is unlikely that your child will need to have their tonsils removed, unless tonsilitis regularly and persistently occurs and it starts to significantly affect normal functioning.