Pharyngitis in children


Pharyngitis is a condition where the child has inflammation of the pharynx. Pharynx is the part of the throat behind the nose and mouth. The child has sore throat, fever, difficulty in swallowing, and sometimes swollen lymph nodes. Pharyngitis is caused by viral infections or bacterial infections. The child should be treated with supportive care at home along with antibiotics. If left untreated it can lead to rheumatic fever, post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. With proper treatment the child recovers in less than a week.

For expert pediatric care and pharyngitis treatment, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

What are the symptoms of pharyngitis in children?


The symptoms of pharyngitis in children depend on if the infection is vital or bacterial. Below are the common symptoms of pharyngitis in children:

  • Sore throat
  • Difficulty in swallowing due to pain
  • Redness and inflammation of the throat
  • Fever and Headache
  • The child refuses to eat due to loss of appetite
  • Fatigue or irritability
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
  • Changes in voice or hoarseness


Symptoms of pharyngitis due to viral infections

  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Conjunctivitis (red eyes)
  • Mild body aches

Symptoms of pharyngitis due to bacterial infections (GAS pharyngitis)

  • Sudden onset of sore throat
  • High fever
  • White patches or pus on the tonsils
  • Fine rash if scarlet fever develops
  • No cough
  • Tender lymph nodes


For expert pediatric care and pharyngitis treatment, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

How is pharyngitis diagnosed in children?


Diagnosing pharyngitis in children is mostly clinical evaluation. But if the cause is Group A Streptococcus (GAS), laboratory testing is done.

1. Clinical Assessment for pharyngitis in children


Collecting the history regarding :-

  • Sore throat
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Hoarseness in voice
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Oral ulcers
  • Diarrhea


2. Diagnostic Testing


Rapid Antigen Detection Test (RADT)
  • Detects GAS within minutes by using throat swabs.
  • High specificity of ~95–98% suggests GAS pharyngitis.


Throat Culture
  • The number one test for GAS pharyngitis, but it gives results in 24–48 hours.
  • Performed for children with negative RADT, due to the risk of complications like rheumatic fever.


For expert pediatric care and pharyngitis treatment, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

What are the treatments for pharyngitis in children?


Treatment of pharyngitis in children depends on the cause—whether it’s viral or bacterial (especially Group A Streptococcus, or GAS).

1. Viral Pharyngitis treatments

  • Supportive at home care will cure the child in less than a week.
  • Antibiotics do not affect viral infections so they are not needed.
  • Paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever relief
  • Fluid intake to the child to prevent dehydration
  • Let the child rest which aids in recovery
  • Warm salt water gargles in older children
  • Under medical guidance throat lozenges or sprays


2. Bacterial Pharyngitis treatment of mainly Group A Streptococcus – GAS

  • Antibiotics must be given along with supportive care.
  • The treatment focuses on shortening the illness and prevention of complications such as rheumatic fever
  • Preventing transmission


First-line Antibiotics:
  • Supportive care (same as viral):
  • Soft diet if throat pain is sever


  • After using antibiotics the fever and throat pain usually improve in 24–48 hours
  • The child can return to school after 24 hrs of antibiotics and no fever


For expert pediatric care and pharyngitis treatment, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

About Isha Specialty Clinics, Hyderabad


Isha Specialty Clinic is the best Hospital in Manikonda for your heart care and child care. For all your pediatric and newborn care we are a one stop solution. Our expert team of doctors and state of the art labs offer you comprehensive pediatric services. When you visit us you will experience the best paediatric care, children nutrition advice and best cardiologist treatment in Hyderabad. Isha Specialty clinics are located at convenient locations in Hyderabad Manikonda in the nearby Gachibowli, Banjara Hills and Toli Chowki, Mehdipatnam, Narsingi, Alkapur township.


Our expert team of doctors


Dr. Swathy Talishetty – MBBS (Osmania), MD (Niloufer) – Child and Newborn Specialist (Paediatric Doctor)


Dr. Swathy Talishetty is a top rated child care specialist. Dr.Swathy is an alumnus of Osmania Medical College where she completed her MBBS in 2007 and later on pursued her MD in Pediatrics from Niloufer Hospital in 2012. Dr Talishetty Swathi has specialized in:-

  • Newborn and infant care
  • Immunization
  • Growth and development monitoring
  • Preterm baby management.
  • Childhood overweight management.


Dr. Swathy Talishetty’s compassionate approach, combined with her in-depth knowledge of pediatric nutrition, enables her to offer comprehensive care that addresses both medical and nutritional needs of children, ensuring their healthy growth and development. Get children treatment and pediatric nutrition consultation with Dr. Swathy Talishetty at Isha Speciality Clinics Manikonda, nearby Gachibowli and Narsingi areas in Hyderabad.


Dr. Nithin Annarapu – MBBS, MD – General Medicine, DM – Cardiology


Dr. Nithin Annarapu has more than a decade of heart care experience. 18 Years Experience Overall (12 years as heart specialist). Dr. Nithin Annarapu Annarapu is an Interventional Cardiologist in Manikonda Hyderabad and has an experience of 18 years in heart treatment, surgeries and cardiac procedures. He has saved many lives with his excellent treatments for palpitations which are heart related. Dr. Nithin Annarapu is practicing at Isha Speciality Clinics Manikonda, near Gachibowli in Hyderabad. He completed MBBS from Siddhartha Medical College & Research in 2002, MD – General Medicine from Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad in 2006 and DM – Cardiology from Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad in 2010.


Major Treatments at Isha Speciality Clinics


Pediatric Care

  • Newborn and infant care
  • Immunization
  • Growth and development monitoring
  • Preterm baby management.
  • Childhood overweight management.


Heart treatment

  • Mitral valve replacement surgery
  • Heart valve replacement and repair
  • Coronary Angioplasty
  • Coronary Angiogram
  • Cardiac catheterization
  • Angioplasty


Pain treatment

  • Thoracic epidural injections
  • Cervical epidural injections
  • Intraarticular joint injections
  • Nerve Block
  • Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy
  • Lumbar Epidural Injections


For expert pediatric care and pharyngitis treatment, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).


For emergency care or appointments, contact Dr. Swathi Talishetty at Isha Speciality Clinic, Manikonda – Hyderabad at 96760 7020. Book an appointment today for expert pediatric care.

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