In Colorado’s dry air, a sore throat in the morning isn’t uncommon, especially during the winter when home heating makes the air particularly dry. If your child wakes up with throat pain, the first step is to have them drink some water. Often, hydration is enough to ease the discomfort caused by dry air or overnight mouth breathing. However, knowing when to take your child to the doctor for a sore throat is crucial if the pain persists or worsens.
The American Society of Pediatrics recommends taking your child to the doctor if her sore throat doesn’t abate after a drink of water in the morning. Get care immediately if your child’s sore throat is accompanied by difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, or excessive drooling. These may signal much more severe health issues.
For adults, a sore throat typically doesn’t require a doctor’s visit unless it is accompanied by a fever higher than 101 degrees, ear pain, joint pain, or difficulty opening the mouth. Chronic sore throats can also be a sign of underlying conditions such as HIV, so recurring symptoms should be checked by a healthcare provider.
Sore Throat Causes
There are several reasons your child might experience a sore throat, and many aren’t a cause for worry. Common, non-serious reasons include:
Postnasal drip
Allergies or colds that cause nasal congestion may cause sore throats.
Dryness
Dry air, particularly when breathing through the mouth, may cause soreness.
Voice strain
Excessive shouting can strain the muscles in the throat, causing pain.
Poor air quality
Exposure to chemicals, tobacco smoke, or environmental smoke (such as from campfires or nearby wildfires) can irritate the throat.
In many cases, sore throats are just a symptom of a cold caused by a virus. However, if your child’s sore throat is persistent, or your child is experiencing a fever, flu-like symptoms, or a stomach ache, they would benefit from seeing a provider. If you have questions, call our nurse triage phone line at 970-494-2626.