Sore throat (pharyngitis) factsheet

Introduction 

A sore throat is a common illness in children, especially in winter. It happens when the throat becomes red, swollen, and painful, particularly when swallowing. Most sore throats are caused by viral infections like:

  • the common cold
  • influenza
  • COVID-19
  • glandular fever.

Sore throats can also be caused by:

  • bacterial infections like strep throat
  • conditions like tonsilitis – when the tonsils become inflamed from infection
  • post-nasal drip – when mucus drips down the back of the throat from the nose or sinuses
  • mouth breathing during sleep
  • exposure to dry air or irritants, like cigarette smoke
  • allergic reactions.

Signs and symptoms

Signs of a sore throat will look different depending on what has caused it.

Older children may tell you their throat hurts, while younger children may refuse to eat or cry when feeding.

You may be able to see some signs in their throat, like:

  • bright redness
  • white patches
  • streaks of pus
  • tonsils that look larger than usual.

Your child might have other symptoms of a viral infection, including:

  • a runny nose
  • cough
  • fever
  • tiredness.

If your child has strep throat, they may have symptoms like:

  • swollen glands in the neck
  • red swollen tonsils
  • a rash
  • fever
  • stomach pain and vomiting

Usually, sore throats go away within 2 to 7 days. 

See your local doctor if your child:

  • has a sore throat for longer than two days
  • is drinking less than usual for more than 24 hours
  • has trouble swallowing.
  • develops new symptoms, like a rash, ear pain, or large lumps in the neck.

Diagnosis

Your child’s doctor will diagnose a sore throat by checking the throat and feeling the neck for swollen glands. The doctor may take a throat swab to test for viruses or bacteria.

Treatment

Treatment of a sore throat will be different depending on what has caused it.

  • Viral infections that cause a sore throat can be managed at home.
  • Bacterial infections that cause a sore throat may need to be treated with antibiotics.

Treating a sore throat at home

Follow these tips, along with advice from your doctor, to treat a sore throat at home:

  • Give pain relief: Use over-the-counter medicine like paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve symptoms like pain. Never give aspirin to children. Check the packet for the right dose and follow the instructions carefully. If you're unsure, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.
     
  • Offer fluids and soft foods: Give your child water, yogurt, or soup to help them stay hydrated and make swallowing easier.
     
  • Encourage rest: Make sure your child gets plenty of rest to help their body recover.
     
  • Gargle with saltwater: If your child is old enough, have them gargle with warm salty water to soothe their throat.
     
  • Provide cold treats: Give your child ice blocks or other cold treats to help with hydration and relieve throat pain.

Cigarette smoke and vaping can make a sore throat worse. Do not smoke or vape around children or in places where they are, like at home.

Management

When to take your child to the emergency department

Take your child to your nearest emergency department or call triple zero (000) for an ambulance if your child shows symptoms like:

  • difficulty breathing, or fast, noisy breathing
  • a stiff or swollen neck
  • a skin rash that doesn't fade when pressed
  • becoming very drowsy or hard to wake up
  • cold or discoloured hands or feet while their body feels warm
  • pain in their arms or legs
  • lips or skin around their lips that become paler or turn blue

Preventing a Sore Throat

You can help prevent infections that cause a sore throat by encouraging your child and family to:

  • wash hands well and often
  • cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
  • not sharing eating utensils or drinks
  • stay home with strep throat until they have been on antibiotics for 24 hours and feel better or until their doctor says otherwise.

Complications of a Sore Throat

Most sore throats go away without causing problems. 

More severe infections like strep throat can cause more severe issues like:

  • abscess: a pocket of pus next to the tonsils or at the back of the throat
  • rheumatic fever: an illness that can develop after strep throat, causing fever, joint pain, rash, and heart problems
  • kidney problems: in rare cases, strep throat infection can affect the kidneys.

Speak to your local doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

Disclaimer

This factsheet is provided for general information only. It does not constitute health advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat any health condition.

Please consult with your doctor or other health professional to make sure this information is right for you and/or your child.

The Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network does not accept responsibility for inaccuracies or omissions, the interpretation of the information, or for success or appropriateness of any treatment described in the factsheet.

© Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network 2025


This factsheet was produced with support from John Hunter Children's Hospital.