Gargling with salt water is sometimes helpful. You may try mixing table salt with warm water and gargling. Pain treatment can help increase fluid intake. Getting extra sleep can promote more rapid recovery, especially if a virus is the cause. If your throat is sore and other symptoms are present, it is time to call the doctor for an appointment.
Parents can check a child's throat by looking inside the mouth with a flashlight.
Sometimes the pus pockets of infection associated with strep throat are easy to see. Sore throat accompanied by fever is another reason to see the doctor. Because the doctor cannot make a definite diagnosis of strep throat on physical examination, a test may be required. A swab will be used to take a sample of the fluids from the back of the throat. The test only takes about 15 minutes.