Learn More: Sore Throat
When to Call a Doctor
Generally, a sore throat without a fever does not require a visit to the doctor. Although infants seldom get sore throats, a sore throat is one of the most common complaints of school-age children. A sore throat can accompany a mild cold or a runny nose or simply be the result of breathing through the mouth while sleeping. In the absence of other symptoms, the home care treatments will suffice. See the Home Care suggestions listed in this section.
If any combination of the following symptoms do accompany a sore throat, a physician should be consulted.
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- excessive drooling in a young child
- high-grade fever (over 101°F)
- sore throat lasting more than 3 days
- a white or yellow coating of the throat
- bright red throat
- fine red rash (like sandpaper) on trunk, in the groin area, or on the extremities
- swollen glands in neck
- severe fatigue
- recent exposure to strep throat or rheumatic fever
