In children, sore throats (pharyngitis or pharyngotonsillitis) can be a recurring problem. The main symptoms are: redness in the throat, painful swallowing, enlarged and painful lymph nodes in the neck, white spots on the tonsils in the throat, cough, headache and even fever.

As is the case for adults, sore throats in children most often resolve in three to five days and are caused by cold, flu and parainfluenza viruses. Only 30% of cases are caused by bacteria, the most common being streptococcus (Beta-haemolytic Group A Streptococcus).

It is difficult to distinguish bacterial pharyngotonsillitis from viral pharyngotonsillitis with certainty and, most importantly, to identify streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis. For this reason, when the disorder has lasted for a few days, it is important to consult a pediatrician to get the right diagnosis and treatment. In fact, the decision to use antibiotics rests solely with the doctor, who may also perform a pharyngeal swab to confirm the diagnosis.

As we know, children don’t only get sore throats in winter, they can also get them in summer. Generally speaking, we can try and prevent the problem by following a few basic but important rules of behaviour and hygiene: first of all, make sure that children wash their hands frequently and avoid contact with people with sore throats and colds. More generally, remember that a good way to strengthen the immune system is to get children used to playing outdoors, preferably far from sources of pollution. Keeping children indoors can expose them to more dry and stagnant indoor air, which encourages the spread of germs.