Sore throat refers to any localized painful sensation in the pharynx or the surrounding anatomy. The developmental ability of young children to identify and define their symptoms is different, and the doctor must pay close attention to the patient and the child's parents to clarify the exact nature of the complaint.
A sore throat can be a symptom of a disease process that does not directly affect the pharynx. Sometimes, young patients with dysphagia due to disease in the esophagus or difficulty swallowing due to a neuromuscular disorder may express these sensations as a sore throat.
The cause of sore throat varies according to age
And can be divided according to life-threatening conditions, common or less common.
Life-threatening conditions
Epiglottitis- The incidence of epiglottitis, a known cause of life-threatening upper airway infections, has decreased significantly since vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae type b. This disease appears with toxic appearance, high fever, stridor and watery discharge. Sore throat occurs in many cases, but is rarely the primary complaint. Pharyngitis or sore throat is a common consequence of illness in children and adolescents. Sore throat can be a symptom of non-systemic or systemic diseases. Clinicians in outpatient settings are often faced with making a differential diagnosis based on this symptom. Fast and appropriate treatment depends on the identification of the underlying cause or disease. Common causes of sore throat in children and teenagers: These diagnoses include: (1) group A beta hemolytic streptococcal pharyngitis; (2) non-group A beta hemolytic streptococcal bacterial pharyngitis; (3) viral pharyngitis; (4) infectious mononucleosis; and (5) chronic conditions. Less common causes are also considered. Differential diagnosis depends on a complete and accurate history, distinctive physical findings, and interpretation of ancillary diagnostic tests. After determining the diagnosis, an appropriate treatment program can be started.