Peoria Standard

As temperatures drop, the number of sore throat cases is expected to rise, according to Awad Alyami, MD, a pediatrician at OSF HealthCare. Dr. Alyami explains that while many sore throats are mild and can be managed at home, some cases may lead to serious complications.

A sore throat occurs when an infection causes inflammation in the throat. Symptoms often include pain or discomfort while swallowing or talking, and swelling of glands and tonsils. While causes can range from tonsil stones and heartburn to allergies, Dr. Alyami notes that most sore throats are due either to viral or bacterial infections.

Viral infections such as the common cold, influenza, and coronavirus are frequent culprits. Dr. Alyami points out that if a sore throat is accompanied by coughing or a runny nose, it likely stems from a virus. Home remedies like over-the-counter medications (Tylenol or ibuprofen), salt water gargles, and staying hydrated are recommended for symptom relief. For children, Pedialyte can also help maintain hydration.

However, Dr. Alyami advises seeking medical attention if symptoms escalate to include fever and neck swelling.

Bacterial infections also play a role in sore throats—most notably group A streptococcus (strep throat). Strep throat may present with fever and white patches at the back of the mouth along with classic symptoms.

“This is a bacterial infection that’s common in kids,” Dr. Alyami says of strep throat. “About 30% of sore throats are strep, and about 70% are viral. It’s a big deal. We need to treat to prevent complications.”

Dehydration is cited as the most common complication associated with severe sore throats because children may avoid eating or drinking due to pain.

“The sore throat is so bad, the child doesn’t want to eat or drink,” he explains.

Untreated strep throat can sometimes lead to abscesses—pockets of pus—which may grow large enough to threaten other vital structures in the body.

“If that abscess gets big enough, it can go toward other structures in the body that are very important. That infection can spread and progress very quickly,” Dr. Alyami says. Life-threatening conditions such as difficulty breathing may occur if this happens.

Diagnosis of strep throat involves a simple swab test performed by health care providers. Treatment consists of ten days of antibiotics administered orally or by injection; oral medication is preferred unless swallowing pills becomes too difficult for the patient.

To prevent sore throats from developing in the first place, Dr. Alyami emphasizes good hand hygiene practices such as thorough hand washing and keeping hands away from one’s face.

Early detection remains important for managing potential complications from strep throat:

“If the child is sick, especially with symptoms that could be strep, it’s better to get them to a health care professional early,” Dr. Alyami implores. “They can get checked and isolated for 12 to 24 hours before they start antibiotics."

“If you’re sure about what they have, it’s better to just bring them in and get them checked,” he adds. Or, a virtual visit is an option.