A sore throat is not a disease on its own but a symptom. In babies who cannot yet speak, it may show up as refusing to feed, increased drooling and irritability.

Most Common Causes

  • Viral upper respiratory tract infections (the most common)
  • Tonsillitis and pharyngitis
  • Group A streptococcal (beta-strep) infection
  • Hand-foot-and-mouth disease and herpangina (with sores inside the mouth)
  • Postnasal drip, dry air, allergy
  • Reflux (in recurrent morning sore throats)

What Helps at Home?

  • Plenty of warm fluids; soft foods such as cold yogurt and ice cream
  • Honey for children over 1 year of age
  • Warm salt-water gargle for older children
  • Humidifying the room
  • Pain relievers on a doctor's advice

Throat sprays and lozenges are not recommended for young children, as they are both ineffective and pose a choking risk.

When to See a Doctor?

  • Inflamed-looking tonsils together with fever
  • Inability to swallow saliva, inability to open the mouth, marked swelling of the neck
  • A rash that feels like sandpaper on the body (scarlet fever)
  • Pain lasting more than 1 week
  • Completely refusing to drink water and decreased urination

📅 Online appointment for your child: Uzm. Dr. Hasan Keleş — appointment page

Related articles: Strep throat infection · Hand-foot-and-mouth disease

This article is for general information purposes only and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. For any concerns about your child's health, always consult a specialist in pediatric health and diseases.

Uzm. Dr. Hasan Keleş — Specialist in Pediatric Health and Diseases, Gaziantep