Pant Like a Puppy

January 8, 2010

Sometimes it is impossible to see beyond the tongue of a child who has a sore throat. The tongues of about 30% of my pediatric patients do not go down when they say "Ahh."

However, when I instruct the child to "pant like a puppy," a complete visual evaluation of the oropharynx becomes quick and easy. The panting elevates the soft palate and lowers the tongue.
——Richard A. Honaker, MD
Carrollton, Tex

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Reader Feedback

I do not follow the customary "Stick your tongue out" to examine a throat. I simply tell the patients to leave the tongue as is in the floor of their mouth. Then instruct them not to push against your tongue blade. Most of the time in the first or second try as they understand your instruction, you can have a great look for extended period of time, without a gag.
——Yash Pal Verma, MD
Selma, CA

by Amy Mburu | February 03, 2010 2:43 PM EST

Sometimes I ask patients to take a big yawn---bette with older children. I will add the panting like a dog as suggested for younger ones.

by Jamie Jamison | January 30, 2010 10:43 AM EST

After years of throat exams, I've found it VERY effective to MODEL the behavior/positioning that I need to be able to visualize the oropharynx. It is a VERY quick method that almost always works. Of course I look a bit silly, but maybe that's why it works! I don't even put a tongue blade in my hand or have one visible. I stick my flattened tongue way out and do a big Eh-Ah-aaaaa. Jamie F Jamison, CPNP El Paso, TX