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Sore Throat

Cali Kids Urgent Care Our Services Sore Throat
Cali Kids Urgent Care - - Pediatric Urgent Care

Cali Kids Urgent Care

Pediatric Urgent Care located in Laguna Niguel, CA

It takes only a mild sore throat to slow your child down. When they suffer from severe throat pain, they need the understanding care provided by Brittany Glenn, DO, at Cali Kids Urgent Care. Dr. Glenn offers the expertise of a board-certified emergency medicine physician and the compassion of a mother who has three young children and has walked in your shoes. If your child needs urgent care for a sore throat, take advantage of the walk-in clinic in Laguna Niguel, California. You can also choose to schedule an appointment by calling the office or using the online booking feature.

Sore Throat Q & A

What causes a sore throat?

Viral infections from a cold or the flu most often cause a sore throat. If your child doesn’t have a cold, their sore throat may be due to:

Strep throat

Strep throat occurs due to a bacterial infection. This type of sore throat usually appears suddenly and causes more pain than a sore throat arising from a cold.  

Tonsillitis (inflamed tonsils)

As part of the immune system, tonsils trap and eliminate bacteria and viruses. They can get overwhelmed with all of the germs, develop inflammation, and cause a sore throat. If your child has frequent sore throats due to recurring tonsillitis, it may be time to have their tonsils removed.

Mononucleosis

Mononucleosis, a viral infection that spreads through saliva, typically causes fatigue, a sore throat, and a fever.

Coxsackievirus infection

This infection typically causes mild flu-like symptoms, including a sore throat.

What symptoms go along with a sore throat?

Your child may have a mild sore throat, or pain so severe that they don’t want to swallow. Beyond throat pain, they may have additional symptoms, depending on the cause of their sore throat.

Other symptoms that may accompany a sore throat include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Headache
  • Skin rash
  • Bad breath
  • Runny nose
  • Swollen glands
  • Red, swollen tonsils
  • Abdominal pain
  • Muscle aches

 

Many children don’t sleep well when they have a sore throat. As a result, your child may drag through the day or get irritable or oppositional.

How is a sore throat diagnosed and treated?

Dr. Glenn begins with a physical exam and visually examining the inside of your child’s mouth. She may do a throat swab to test for strep throat or use the Cepheid® Xpert® Xpress test. The Cepheid test detects flu and human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common virus that’s often responsible for sore throats.

Most children have mild cases of RSV. However, Dr. Glenn may run the Cepheid test because an RSV infection can spread and cause pneumonia, an illness that’s especially dangerous for young children.

The best treatment for your child depends on the underlying cause. Dr. Glenn may treat their symptoms so they can stay comfortable while a viral infection runs its course. However, she prescribes antibiotics to treat strep infections.

If your child needs treatment for a sore throat, call the office, book an appointment online, or walk in at Cali Kids Urgent Care today.

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