Sore throat is a frequent complaint in kids. Typical symptoms of sore throat include fever, a red and painful throat, and unpleasant breath. This situation can make parents feel anxious. But do not worry, below is an overview of what causes sore throat in children and natural ways you can do to ease it.

Causes of Sore Throat in Children

When a child reports sore throat or pain when they swallow food, a poor appetite, and displays increased fussiness, they may be experiencing a sore throat. These symptoms often come with fever, headache, muscle aches, and a dry sensation in the throat.

The most common triggers of sore throat are viral or bacterial infections. Bacterial infection with Streptococcus pyogenes can lead to fever and sore throat. If the tonsils look red and swollen, the sore throat may be related to tonsillitis.

Throat infections in children can spread from person to person. Viruses or bacteria transmit through sneezing, coughing, or touching items that carry the germs. For this reason, if your child has a sore throat, letting them rest at home is advisable.

Managing Sore Throat in Children

Viral sore throats in kids usually improve on their own. Still, to make your child more comfortable, you can try these easy home measures:

1. Offer warm water and honey

A sore throat can be very uncomfortable to your llittle one. To hel calm throat irritation, give your child a warm drink or tea mixed with honey. This can help soothe the throat so your little one will be less fussy.

In children, sore throat can also cause restlessness and refusal to eat, which may reduce their nutritional intake if this is not addressed.

2. Gargle with salt water

This traditional approach can be helpful for children with sore throats. For school-aged kids, dissolve about a quarter to half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of water for gargling. Do this twice daily until the symptoms subside.

3. Choose cold drinks

Many parents avoid cold options, such as ice cream, when their child has a sore throat. However, as noted by Medical News Today, cold foods or drinks may cool the throat and ease inflamed tissue, making it feel more comfortable.

4. Sucking on lozenges

Throat lozenges can ease symptoms effectively. They are suitable for children older than 4 years. Because kids may like their sweetness, parents should monitor how many lozenges their child consumes.

5. Ensure adequate fluids

Drinking enough helps prevent dryness and reduces dehydration. Without enough fluid, saliva production falls, which can make the throat feel dry and sore. Aim for at least 6-8 glasses of water per day to support recovery.

If your child’s sore throat does not improve within one week, see a doctor right away, especially if they develop trouble breathing, difficulty swallowing, or a fever lasting more than 72 hours.

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