You know the signs when your child has a sore throat, and he or she certainly isn’t suffering alone; approximately 40 million people are treated for sore throats every year. There are several causes for sore throat; some can be treated by prescription medication and some cannot. For those problems that cannot be cured with medication, we have found some of the best at home remedies to ease your child’s symptoms.
There are two main causes for a sore throat – viruses or bacteria. Viral infections, which also cause colds or flu, are usually accompanied by fever, achy muscles and a runny nose. Viruses cannot be treated with antibiotics and must be left to run their course. Bacterial infections—most commonly Streptococcal bacteria or strep throat—have similar symptoms as a virus, as well as headaches, stomach aches and swollen glands. Bacterial infections can – and should – be treated with antibiotics. If the bacteria are allowed to spread untreated, they can cause liver and heart damage. Other causes of sore throats can include acid reflux, allergies, dry air, and food allergies. Only a doctor or pediatric ENT will be able to direct you to the appropriate treatment, which can include anything from bed rest or antibiotics to a tonsillectomy surgery.
If your doctor decides your child is suffering from a virus, there are several home remedies that will make your little one more comfortable while his or her body is fighting the virus. Try these remedies and see which one makes your child’s sore throat a little easier to bear!
1. Rest – One of the best ways to help your child heal is to encourage them to rest. Likely they will feel weak or tired and will not fight this suggestion. The more rest a child gets, the more energy his or her body has to fight the virus.
2. Gargle – Older children can gargle a variety of liquids to ease their sore throat. Try raspberry tea, sage and water, turmeric and water, warm salt water or diluted mouthwash. It is important to make sure your child does not swallow the liquid they gargle.
3. Horseradish Drink – If your child is a little more adventurous, allow them to try a horseradish based drink. Mix one tablespoon of pure horseradish with one teaspoon of cloves and a glass of warm water. Have your child sip it slowly.
4. Citric Drinks – Citrus is one of the best ways to soothe a sore throat. Mix one teaspoon each of lime or lemon juice and honey into a glass of warm water. This will be more enjoyable than the horseradish drink and likely just as effective.
5. Eat a Frozen Juice Bar – Make sure your child does not suck on the frozen juice bar, but allows it to melt in their mouth. Sucking on the bar may irritate their throat more.
6. Hot Liquids – Hot liquids coating the throat tissue act in the same way a warm compress does on infected skin. Try warm tea or lemonade to give your child some relief.
7. Hard Candy – Like the frozen juice bar, make sure your child does not suck on the hard candy, but allows it to dissolve in his or her mouth. This will keep the mouth and throat moist and provide a little relief.
8. Take a Steam – This remedy is best for older children. Make a steam tent with a bowl of steaming hot water and cover your child’s head with a towel. Add one or two drops of eucalyptus oil for added relief.
9. Fluids, Fluids and More Fluids – Keep the throat lubricated with fluids. This makes sure the throat will not dry out or become irritated. It may even help flush the bacteria from the throat.
10. Sprays – Use analgesic sprays for temporary relief from sore throat pain. The spray is not an effective long-term remedy, but can provide temporary respite from an extremely painful sore throat.
Before you begin any at home remedy, be sure to have your child evaluated by a pediatrician or pediatric ear, nose and throat specialist. Mistaking bacteria for a virus can cause serious and long lasting problems.