A sore throat can be a very painful thing to have, and your children will let you know right away if they are suffering from a sore throat. There are many reasons for sore throats, and everything from allergies to viruses and bacteria may be the culprit.

Furthermore, your child may experience a sore throat as a first symptom of a cold. Your doctor will most likely not prescribe an antibiotic for your child’s sore throat. Here’s the reason why:

Most sore throats are caused by viruses, what are also what cause the common cold. Viruses cannot be treated with antibiotics in that antibiotics target bacterial infections, not viruses. However, if your child develops strep throat, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics, because strep throat is bacterial in nature.

Strep throat can be very mild to very severe. Symptoms of strep throat are fever, sore throat, red or swollen tonsils, and white patches on the tonsils. Most sore throats that your child gets with a cold are not strep related, but of you suspect strep throat, be sure to schedule a child doctor visit in North Valley immediately.

There are things to do to alleviate the pain associated with any sore throat.

  • Gargle. If your children are old enough, have them gargle with warm salt water. This will greatly alleviate the pain of swollen, inflamed throat tissue.
  • Honey. Warm tea sweetened with honey will also soothe their irritated throat. Honey is also an effective and natural cough suppressant.
  • Use a Humidifier. This should be something every child’s room has all winter long. The cool mist that is released into the air will relieve dryness and it will bring relief to stuffy noses and sore throats.
  • Eat healthy, nutritious food. Make sure your children have daily doses of yogurt, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. Good nutrition for kids will go a long way in ensuring they stay healthy.
  • Practice frequent hand washing. This is a habit everyone should embrace for good health. Get your kids into the habit of washing their hands frequently. Let them know how important hygiene for kids is, by doing it yourself. Especially after school or events, handling toys and equipment, it’s important to wash your hands.
  • Use an antibiotic. If you suspect your child has strep throat, then make a child doctor visit to North Valley right away. Always have them finish the medicine completely, even if they start to feel better right away.

There are plenty of remedies for colds and sore throats that are over-the-counter and at your Pediatrix office. Don’t hesitate to give them a call if you are concerned about your child’s sore throat. Pediatrix doctors are available to answer and questions and do whatever is necessary to support your child’s health and well-being.