Do your kids complain about scratchy throat? Do they have irritation and pain? Are they encountering pain while swallowing? The answer to all these questions is a sore throat.
A sore throat (R) is a condition that might not necessarily impose unprecedented repercussions on one’s health. It includes pain, illicitness, or irritation of the throat. It sure does affect one’s quality of life. It is normal in children.
If you have been looking for an effective cure for the sore throat, go no further because we have the best and the most effective remedies for the same. Just scroll down the article to find out the remedies for a child’s sore throat.
What is Sore Throat in children?
Sore Throat is a condition characterized by the persistent presence of scratchy throat and irritation, pain and inflammation in the throat. The condition often worsens when you swallow. The kids have difficulty in swallowing (R) food and liquid.
The symptoms primarily are often clubbed with that of irritation, itching as well as pain and inflammation. Mostly the throat pain is the primary symptom of a child’s sore throat.
Yet another factor that is often witnessed with a sore throat is the fact that it becomes a lot hard and painful while swallowing food, mainly because of the inflammation in the throat.
A sore throat is often the common side effect of cold and cough and is not something over the top serious that requires frequent doctor consultation. It accounts for more than 13 million visits to doctor each and every year. (R)
Sore throats are divided into three types which are based on the part of the throat they affect the children:-
- Pharyngitis (R) affects the area right behind the mouth.
- Tonsillitis (R) is swelling and redness of the tonsils, the soft tissue in the back of the mouth.
- Laryngitis (R) is swelling and redness of the voice box or larynx.
Check Out These Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Sore Throat For A Child
Causes Of Sore Throat:
Here are few causes behind the sore throat, (R) so let’s throw some light upon the reasons for it.
1. Cold, flu, and other viral Infection:
90% of sore throat is caused by a viral infection. The virus responsible for cold can cause fever, runny nose, and cough. As per studies, it has been found that this happens during winter but never the less it can happen the entire year around.
Normal antibiotics don’t work for the sore throat which is caused by viral infestation. More over this infection usually goes away without medication. So, for this type, home remedies for sore throat work great.
2. Bacterial Infection:
This is one of the most important causes that lead to child sore throat. One of the common infection is strep throat (R). This throat infection is caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria.
Nearly about 40% of sore throat in children is caused by strep throat. Tonsillitis and sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea and chlamydia can also cause a sore throat in children.
3. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Diseases:
This infection is one of the common cause of the child suffering from sore throat. It especially spreads among the children during summer. The hand, foot and mouth diseases is caused by enteroviruses (R).
This form of infection may form sores in the mouth and throat, which make it painful to swallow. As with other viruses, antibiotics will not help this type of sore throat. When your child suffers sore throat because of this infection, do refer to the doctor.
4. Allergies:
Allergies do play an important role in causing sore throat as it affects the immunity. Triggers like pollen, grass, and pet dander are common causes behind this. It releases the chemical that causes symptoms like nasal congestion, watery eyes, sneezing, and throat irritation.
5. Dry Air:
As per the studies, the dry air can suck moisture from the mouth and throat, which as a result leave them feeling dry and scratchy. The air is often dry during the winter months which can further contribute to the sore and scratchy throat that many children complain about.
6. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (R) is a condition in which acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus and the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.
The stomach acids and other contents flow upwards as far as the throat and cause constant irritation to the throat, leading to a chronic sore throat.
7. Smoke, Chemicals and Other Irritants:
This is probably one of the major causes of sore throat in children. The different chemicals and other substances in the environment that irritate the throat include-
- cigarette and other tobacco smoke
- air pollution
- cleaning products and other chemicals
What Are The Symptoms of Sore Throat In Child?
Here are certain symptoms that will help you to figure out if the child is suffering from a sore throat:
1. Redness on the inside of the throat:
Every time the baby opens his mouth to eat or cry, you notice a dark-red hue at the back of the mouth where the throat begins.
2. Difficulty swallowing:
The baby has trouble taking solid food or breastmilk. There is a sudden aversion towards eating, and when the baby is hungry, they stop eating midway due to the pain while swallowing.
3. White Patches on the Tonsils:
Infected tonsils develop white spots that ooze pus. Pus is made of white blood cells that defend the body against pathogens and the presence of pus indicates an infection.
4. Swollen neck:
Inflammation is noticed from the outside, as the baby’s tonsils appear swollen.
5. Hoarse voice:
Older infants who can speak a bit will talk in a muffled and hoarse tone due to the inflammation of the tonsils.
6. Cough:
The irritation caused by a sore throat can make a baby cough repeatedly.
7. Infections:
The infection that causes a sore throat might result in other signs and symptoms, including:
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Body aches
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
Home Remedies For Sore Throat In Children:
Here are a few home remedies that work great for the children who are suffering from sore throat. So let’s look at it.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar For Sore Throat:
The usage of apple cider vinegar as a tonic has been in the works since way back in history as it has many antibacterial properties. The active and main component of the apple cider vinegar, acetic acid, helps cure the sore throat in children.
The antimicrobial properties of the vinegar have important benefits in actually curing any kind of infection. Its antimicrobial effects help in fighting the infection. ACV helps to break down mucus in the throat and stop bacteria from spreading furthermore.
What To Do?
- Mix 1 tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar to a glass of warm water
- Add 1 teaspoon of honey to it and mix it through
- Drink this 1-2 times a day
How Often?
- 1-2 times daily
2. Gargle With Salt Water For Sore Throat:
This is an amazing way for a child’s sore throat, especially helping soothe a scratchy throat. The positive point of gargling with salt water is that it pulls the mucus out of your swollen, inflamed tissue and helps relieve the discomfort.
It also does help in killing the bacteria in the throat. It reduces the swelling and keeps the throat clean. A 2005 study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that gargling with salt water may even help prevent upper respiratory tract infections. (R)
What To Do?
- Mix ½ tablespoon of salt to a glass of lukewarm water
- Stir and mix till all the salt dissolves completely
- Gargle with the lukewarm water till you run out
How Often?
- Every three hours daily
3. Honey For Sore Throat:
Honey has amazing effects in soothing the irritated throat. Honey serves as an antibacterial, pain reliever, and rich source of antioxidants, as well as helps reduce inflammation.
As per a study(R), it found that honey was even more effective at taming nighttime coughs than common cough suppressants.
Do not give honey to children and toddlers under 1 year of age, as it may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum spores that may cause infantile botulism. (R)
What To Do?
- Consume 1 tablespoon of raw honey with crushed holy basil leaves for relief
- Alternatively, if the taste of overwhelming, add 1 tablespoon of honey to any warm beverage (preferably tea) and make your child drink.
How Often?
- Raw honey – once or twice daily
- Mixed with any tea – 2-3 times daily
4. Baking Soda Gargle For Sore Throat:
As I mentioned above, gargling with salt water is an amazing way to get rid of a sore throat for a child. The similar way, baking soda gargle for sore throat works miraculously.
The pH balancing properties along with the effective antibacterial properties cumulatively help in getting rid of the signs and symptoms associated with a sore throat in children.
What To Do?
- To a glass of warm water, add a 1/4th tablespoon of baking soda and ½ tablespoon of salt and mix
- Mix till all the elements are dissolved completely
- Gargle with this, making sure that every time the liquid stays in the oral cavity for 20 seconds
How Often?
- Every three hours in the day
5. Ginger For Sore Throat:
Ginger root is loaded with beneficial antibacterial as well as anti-inflammatory properties which impose amazing benefits as a cure for a sore throat. The antibacterial properties arrest any kind of growth of microbes and stop the spreading of any kind of infection that could be behind as the primary reason behind a sore throat.
A conducted study even highlighted the beneficial impacts of ginger extract on aiding in the cure of bacterial growth concerning the respiratory tract infections.
What To Do?
- Boil some water in a pot
- Steep a ginger tea bag in a cup of hot water and let it steep for 5-10 minutes
- Add 1 teaspoon of honey to the concoction
- Enjoy this drink warm
How Often?
- 2-3 times daily till the symptoms subside
6.Garlic For Sore Throat:
Garlic is also rich in antibacterial properties. Allicin, which is the active compound in the garlic, is loaded with antimicrobial properties which help in preventing the growth of any form of infection.
As per the studies (R) taking garlic supplements on a regular basis helps to prevent the common cold viruses. Garlic has antiseptic properties, which can help if you have a bacterial infection, and it may help relieve sore throat pain.
What To Do?
- Consume 1 clove of garlic every day in the morning
- Alternatively, you can even increase the addition of garlic in your day to day diet
How Often?
- Day to day diet
7. Marshmallow Root for Sore Throat
The Marshmallow root (R) is yet another one of the home remedies for sore throat in children. It contains mucus-like substances that coats and soothes the sore throat in children.
This is very beneficial in getting rid of the irritation and scratchiness. The root contains a gelatin-like substance which is known as the mucilage that helps in coating the entire inner lining of the throat and provides relief from sore throat.
What To Do?
- Fill a pot with 1 liter of cold water
- In a cheesecloth, add 1 ounce of the marshmallow root and tie it into a bundle.
- Tie one end of the cheesecloth to the lid and then lower the bundle into the water till it’s completely submerged.
- Shut the lid tightly and let everything infuse overnight
- In the morning, drink the water.
How Often?
- Have it multiple times throughout the day.
8.Lozenge For Sore Throat:
This is another way to work out the sore throat by keeping the throat moist. Lozenges with menthol help in feeling refreshed and easily ease sore throat symptoms in children.
Candy and cough drops increase your saliva production and help keep your throat lubricated. Young children and toddlers should not be given lozenges as they can be a choking hazard.
How To Do?
- You can directly purchase from the medical shop or online.
How Often?
- You can have one after another but with 2-3 hours gaps in a day.
9.Humidifier For Sore Throat:
A humidifier is one of the amazing ways to soothe the sore throat in children. It has numerous effects on children. It helps the children to breathe in moist air which helps to soothe the swollen tissues in the nose and throat.
It also moistens the air and can help keep the nasal secretions from drying out, which can be uncomfortable for the kids. Humidifiers are good to use when babies and toddlers have dry sore throats.
For more information, you can read on the best humidifier for children
How To Do:
- Purchase a humidifier from online or shop of a good brand
- Add water in it as per the instructions
- If you wish, you can add some Vicks to it.
- And press the start button.
How Often:
- Do it once before the child is put to sleep.
10. Licorice Root For Sore Throat:
From generation to generation, licorice is used as one of the effective remedies for child sore throat. But, make sure pregnant and breastfeeding women avoid this as per National Center For Complementary And Integrative Health. (R)
The licorice root is also loaded with antiviral and antibacterial properties which help in getting rid of a sore throat infection in children. It is also benefits for the pain that is associated with a sore throat.
What To Do?
- Steep some licorice roots in a pot of boiling water
- Let it boil and steep for 10-15 minutes
- Once it comes down to a lukewarm temperature, then gargle with it
How Often?
- 2-3 times daily
11. Slippery elm For Sore Throat:
Same as marshmallow root, the slippery elm does have wonderful effects on a child’s sore throat. Slippery elm is also rich in muscles like substance in it. According to the U.S National Library of Medicine (R), it may decrease the absorption of other medication you take.
When the slippery elm is mixed with water, it forms a slick gel which coats and soothes the throat. It is considered as a demulcent, which has the power to relieve irritation of the mucous membranes in the mouth by forming a protective film.
How To Do?
- Boil some water in a pot
- To 1 tablespoon of slippery elm powder
- Make it a smooth mixture.
- Then drink it.
How Often?
- Drink once in a day.
12. Chamomile Tea:
Chamomile tea is rich in anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and astringent properties.
As per the studies (R) have shown that inhaling chamomile steam can help relieve symptoms of a cold, including a sore throat. Drinking chamomile tea can offer the same benefit too. It can also stimulate the immune system to help your body fight off the infection that causes the shore throat.
How To Do?
- Take a chamomile tea bag in a cup of hot water
- Let it steep for 5 minutes
- Then drink it.
How Often?
- 2-3 cups daily
13. Lemon And Honey:
The combination of both lemon and honey make it one of the best great remedies to get rid of a sore throat for a child. Both of them work differently providing the best results.
Lemon is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants which as a results helps in boosting the saliva whereas honey helps in soothing the itchiness and irritation.
How To Do?
- Mix 1 teaspoon of honey and juice of one lemon to a glass of warm water
- Drink this in small sips throughout the day
14. Peppermint For Sore Throat:
Peppermint is more than just a remedy for getting rid of sore throat. It is an amazing sore throat remedy, from generation to generation because of the presence of the menthol in it. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties in it.
The menthol in the peppermint helps in thinning down the mucus layer and prevents in excess secretion of the mucus which often worsens the condition of the sore throat. The mint slightly numbs the sore throat and relieves pain.
What To Do?
- To a cup of hot water, steep one peppermint tea bag
- Let it sit in the warm water for 5 minutes
- Drink the tea
How Often?
- 1-2 times daily
15. Chicken Soup:
As always, it is a remedy for a child’s sore throat that has been around for decades. It helps a lot to moisten the throat. As per the chest Journal, it contains anti-inflammatory substances that help in reducing the cold and cough symptoms.
This is also a superb food that allows getting more fluid to the body when the kids are sick. This can keep them hydrated. You can add garlic to it for more amazing effects and benefits to cure the child’s sore throat.
You can check with the recipe of homemade chicken soup. (R)
How To Do?
- Boil some chicken with vegetables and seasoning to it.
- Add some garlic too and boil it for 30-40 minutes
- Cook it till all the vegetables and chicken are cooked.
How Often?
- Drink it twice a day.
16. Sage And Echinacea:
Sage and echinacea has a lot of medical uses and value. Sage traces its origin in the Mediterranean but now it is grown all around the world. It has the inflammatory properties in it that help in relieving the throat pain.
In one study, a sage-echinacea spray was actually slightly more effective at reducing throat pain than a chlorhexidine lidocaine spray. Echinacea has also been found to have therapeutic benefits. It is shown to have the power to fight the bacteria and reduce inflammation.
How To Do?
- Boil 1 cup of water.
- Put sage and echinacea in an airtight jar and then fill with boiling water.
- Let steep for 30 minutes.
- Pour mixture through a strainer and then combine with 1/2 cup hard liquor.
- Place in a small spray bottle and spray into the throat every two hours or as needed.
How Often?
- Drink it every Two hours
17. Cinnamon For Sore Throat:
Cinnamon is an amazing home remedy for the sore throat. It is high in antioxidants. There are numerous benefits of cinnamon. Thus, it is regarded as one of the best remedies to get rid of a sore throat in a child.
It has combined antioxidant as well as effective antibacterial properties which aid in keeping the spreading of infection to a bare minimum. Not just that, the antioxidant property helps boost the immunity which is exactly what helps relieve a sore throat.
What To Do?
- Mix 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder to a glass of warm water
- Add 1 teaspoon of honey to it and mix well
- Drink this concoction 1-2 times daily
How Often?
- 1-2 times daily
18. Coconut Oil:
You must be thinking of how coconut oil is helpful for sore throat in children. But trust me it works amazing for the child’s sore throat. Coconut oil helps to relieve the constant irritation that is caused because of a sore throat.
As per the pre-clinical studies suggest that it may help fight infection, and as well as reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Coconut oil is also very soothing because it helps lubricate the mucous membranes in the throat.
How to Do?
- Add a spoonful to hot tea or hot cocoa.
- Add a spoonful to the soup.
- Simply put a spoonful in your mouth and allow it to melt down your throat but it should be gradual.
How Often?
- It’s best to limit coconut oil to about 2 tablespoons (30 ml) per day, as it can have a laxative effect at higher dosages.
- If you’ve never tried coconut oil, start out taking 1 teaspoon (5 ml) at a time to minimize potential side effects.
19. Green Tea:
Green tea is the best for sore throat. It helps to get rid of a sore throat for a child by increasing the immunity. Green tea helps to prevent any kind of viral attacks in the body further.
How To Do?
- To a cup of hot water, add a green tea bag
- Let it steep for 5 minutes
- Add a few drops of lemon juice
- Drink this warm
How Often?
- Drink it twice a day.
When To Call Doctor For Child Sore Throat?
Sore throat is not a matter of concern, as it is common in children but when it doesn’t get cured with OTC treatment and home remedies, then it is a matter of concern.
You can consult a doctor if the child is accompanied by-
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting and nausea
- Excessive mucus discharge from the nose
- Red blisters around the mouth and parts of the body
- Dizziness
- Poor appetite
- Have severe pain when swallowing
As I said above, sore throat is very common in babies. It mostly happens throughout the year. It is not that serious of a condition. But still, we need to take care of our kids. I hope this article has given you a good number of information on the major home remedies to get rid of a sore throat for a child.
