Sore throats are a common symptom of numerous illnesses that affect children, including viral infections, colds and allergies. Sometimes medications will be prescribed to treat the underlying illness but more commonly the symptoms will be treated to make the child more comfortable. A number of home treatments are effective in temporarily soothing a sore throat. Caregivers should consult a doctor, even if just by phone, before attempting certain remedies for a child's sore throat.
Lozenges
Throat lozenges can increase saliva production and may reduce coughing that is irritating a sore throat. These should only be used with children over the age of three to avoid a choking risk. Lozenges made with herbal ingredients or lemon, tea and honey are effective choices.
Gargling
Gargling with a mixture of 1/4 to 1 tsp. of salt and 8 oz. of warm water can provide a child with temporary relief of throat soreness. This remedy is difficult for younger children to do. To be sure, try a plain warm water gargle with the child first and then add salt if the child was able to avoid swallowing the water. Swallowing the salt isn't dangerous but it could upset the stomach and won't be as effective in relieving the sore throat.
Herbal Tea
Children can sip herbal tea mixed with honey and lemon. Honey will coat the sore throat and relieve some of the pain. Lemon in the tea will cut thick mucus. Be careful not to serve hot tea to children--warm is best.
Fluids
MotherNature.com recommends giving children plenty of fluids to keep the throat lubricated and to help thin mucus drainage. Citrus, carbonated and very sugary drinks can be more irritating. Opt for mild fruit juices and water. When coughing doesn't accompany the sore throat, a cup of warm milk may also be soothing to a raw throat. Milk can exacerbate a cough. Soups that are broth-based may be soothing as well, but shouldn't be served too warm
Humidifier
Run a humidifier around children with sore throats, especially when they are sleeping. Moist air is more soothing than dry air. If a child's nose is congested and she sleeps with her mouth open, the dry air can make a sore throat even more painful.
Honey
The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests giving a child 1 tsp. of honey before bedtime to calm a sore throat and suppress a cough. This traditional remedy may be more effective than some over-the-counter medications, according to some people.
Popsicles
Popsicles may feel good on a sore throat, especially when swallowing is difficult. Popsicles can also increase childrens' fluid intake during illness. The flavors and novelty of the frozen juice may entice children to take in liquid when other more traditional liquids seem unappetizing.
