My 9 Year-old Grandson Has Had A Bad Sore Throat

Posted on Sat, 17 Nov 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 17 Nov 2018 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : My 9 year-old grandson has had a bad sore throat for 7+days, accompanied by feeling very cold. No fever and his strep test was negative. He has an appetite, but is fatigued. The coldness is the most concerning symptom as it is constant. He's been layering clothing to an extreme degree. And the sore throat has been constant too, with no change. I don't think his lymph nodes are enlarged. I would like a pediatrician to answer the question. Can this be something serious?

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Gurgling with lukewarm water is essential

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for using the Ask a Doctor service.

I have gone carefully through your query and understand your concerns. Not only bacteria like Streptococcus causes Strep sore throat, it can be caused due to some viruses like Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) (causes mono). Irrespective of the cause, all you need to do is to make your child gurgle with lukewarm water and recovery should occur soon. Sometimes it may last longer than 7 days. Antiallergics like cetirizine might need to be given.

Please be patient. Let me know if I could help further.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Diptanshu Das (4 hours later)

Could you please address the issue of him being so cold. That was my primary concern. I know about gargling.

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Did you get the body temperature checked?

Detailed Answer:
I am sorry that your primary concern remained unaddressed.

However, please specify whether his body temperature has been checked. If not, please record it periodically, multiple times a day and kindly provide the temperature chart.

If it is a simple sensation of feeling cold, it is possibly not a cause for concern. The actual body temperature recording will clarify the rest.

Feel free to ask further.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee