Throat problems are common in children that cause severe complications if properly untreated.
The pharynx is the space behind the nose and the mouth. In a typical case of pharyngitis (a sore throat), the pharynx is distinctly red and inflamed, and the tonsils are enlarged and covered with yellow pus. There are complications of pharyngitis, including para-pharyngeal abscess (this is when pus accumulates behind the structures of the pharynx) and disease of the heart and kidneys.
You are now going to look at how to assess, classify and treat children who have throat problems. All children who are brought to your health post should be assessed for throat problems.

Assessment of Throat Problems

When you assess for throat problems you should follow these steps:

ASK:

  • Does the child have fever?.
  • Does the child have a sore throat?.

FEEL:

  • For enlarged, tender lymph nodes on the front of the neck.

LOOK:

  • For red (congested) throat.
  • For exudates (white or yellow patches) on the throat and tonsils.

How to Check for Throat Problems.

ASK
  • Does the child have a fever? (by history or feels hot or temperature 37.5°C or more).
  • Does the child have a sore throat?.
LOOK and FEEL
  • Feel for enlarged, tender lymph nodes on the front of the neck.
  • Look for a red (congested) throat.
  • Look for white or yellow exudates on the throat and tonsils.

Classification of Throat Problems

There are three possible classifications of throat problem:

  • Streptococcal sore throat (Streptococci-bacteria most often involved in causing throat infections).
  • No streptococcal sore throat.
  • No throat problem.

Classification and Treatment of Throat Problems

Signs Classify Treatment
  • Fever or a sore throat AND Two of the following:
  • Red(congested throat) White or yellow oxidate on the throat or tonsils.
  • Enlarged tender lymph node on the front of the neck.
 STREPTOCOCCAL SORE THROAT
  • Give the first dose of Amoxicillin.
  • Refer urgently.
  • Give paracetamol for pain.
Insufficient criteria to classify as Streptococcal sore throat. NO STREPTOCOCCAL SORE THROAT
  • Soothe throat with a safe remedy.
  • Give paracetamol.
  • Advise to return immediately.
  • Follow-up in 5 days if not improving.
No throat signs or symptoms(with or without fever) NO THROAT PROBLEMS Continue assessment of the child.

Streptococcal sore throat treatment

  • Refer urgently to the health centre or hospital with the first dose of Amoxicillin and paracetamol if the child has a fever with a temperature higher than38.5°C.

NO Streptococcal sore throat treatment

  • Soothe the child's throat with warm tea and honey.
  • Give paracetamol if the child has a fever with a temperature higher than 38.5°C
  • Advise the mother when to return immediately.
  • Follow-up in 5 days if not improving.

Follow-up care for No Streptococcal sore throat

  • If you have assessed the child as having a throat problem, you should tell the mother that she must return with the child for follow-up in five days if there is no improvement.
  • When she returns, you should reassess the throat problem by using the guidelines in the chart booklet Assessment and Classification table. And also you will measure the child's temperature, and if you assess fever, you should give the child paracetamol. If there has been no improvement in a sore throat you should refer the child to the hospital or health centre.
Last modified: Wednesday, 1 March 2017, 2:02 AM