Scratchy Sore Throats

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Those miserable scratchy sore throats that make your child miserable. What is a parent to do? Sore throats often accompany the common cold, viral upper respiratory infections or the flu. 

Other causes of sore throats may include allergies, inhaled irritants, gastroesophageal reflux or  bacterial throat infections such as strep throat. Most viral related sore throats, which are the most common cause of sore throats in children, can be managed at home.

However, if your child has a prolonged or severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing or breathing, a prolonged high fever, or a rash accompanying the sore throat, they should be evaluated by a medical provider.

So what are some ways you as a parent can reduce the symptoms associated with a viral sore throat? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends gargling with warm salt water for children old enough to gargle. Most children are able to gargle around 6 years of age. Options for relieving symptoms of viral sore throats may include:

-Salt water gargle using 1/2 tsp salt in 1 cup of warm water for children ages 6 and older to help reduce swelling and pain.

-1-1/2 tsp of honey for children 1 year and older (honey has antimicrobial properties and is soothing to the throat). 

-Encourage plenty of warm fluids to soothe the throat and keep the child well hydrated.

-Homemade 100% juice popsicles may used to help soothe the throat.

-A cool mist humidifier may be used at night-time for moisture relief to the throat.

​Most viral sore throats improve within a few days of illness onset. With a little extra care and loving support, children will be on the road to recovery soon.

Other natural options for viral sore throat relief:

Bee Propolis Lollipops - Children 6 yrs and older can suck on bee propolis lollipops. Bee propolis has natural antimicrobial properties.* (Do not use with children allergic to honey or bees.) Lollipops include Vitamin D and Zinc to additionally support the immune system. (Do not use with children allergic to honey or bees.  It is available at this FullScript link and should be taken according to age and directions on package.

Kid’s Propolis Immune Support Spray - Soothes throats and provides immune support for children 2-12 years old. Contains vitamin C, Zinc, iron, B vitamins and bee propolis.* (Trial with one spray when first using to check for possible allergy. Do not use for children allergic to honey or bees.)  It is available at this FullScript link and should be taken according to age and directions on package.

Throat Calm Spray - Cooling mist spray that works on contact to provide sore throat relief without numbing for children 12 years and older.  It is available at this FullScript link and should be taken according to age and directions on package.

*Reference: ​https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1292560/

Reminder: For your child's safety, it is recommended to purchase products directly from the manufacturer or a healthcare professional company, not third party e-commerce sites due to recent research and reports of products being tampered or adulterated on those sites.  
​*Reference: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9824023

Are you interested in building your child's health, wellness, and immune resilience  through holistic pediatric care? Contact Wellness 4 KIDS for a FREE Pediatric Wellness Discovery Call.