Tingling and burning in the pharynx, coughing, difficulty swallowing… So many symptoms complained about by children who have a sore throat. What medicines can be given to the child? What are natural remedies? When to worry and consult? The answers of Dr Jérôme Valleteau de Moulliac, pediatrician in Paris.
What medicines can be given to the child in case of sore throat?
Colds, bacterial or viral angina, allergies, air that is too dry…There are many causes that can cause a sore throat in children. This is the reason why self-medication is prohibited. “Before giving medicine to the child, it is important to determine the cause of his sore throat to give him an appropriate treatment. In case of bacterial angina, antibiotic therapy for 6 days will be necessary“, warns Dr. Jérôme Valleteau de Moulliac, pediatrician. To confirm the diagnosis and determine whether or not it is streptococcus, the doctor may be required to perform a rapid diagnostic test from a tonsil smear. “At the house of children under 3 years old, angina is almost exclusively viral, antibiotics are therefore not justified“, he continues. In addition or not to antibiotic therapymany drugs can continue to lift the sore throat in children:
- THE painkillers : paracetamol or ibuprofen, provided the contraindications are respected. They can be administered in the form of syrup, suppository or tablets.
- THE local anesthetics : lidocaine-based lozenges and mouthwashes. Prescription conditions according to age must be respected.
- THE cough syrups dry and oily cough: they can be prescribed for children over 3 months.
- THE cough syrups : they are contraindicated in children under 2 years of age.
What are the natural remedies for sore throat in children?
Several natural remedies can help soothe a sore throat in children: an infusion with a plant with anti-inflammatory properties (thyme, rosemary, chamomile); a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of lemon juice mixed in a cup of hot milk (be careful, the Honey is reserved for children aged over 12 months); make him wear a scarf to keep her throat warm. As for essential oils, Ravinstara has anti-infectious, anti-viral and bacterial, and immunostimulating properties. The ideal dosage? 1 to 2 drops of EO diluted in vegetable oil, 1 to 3 times a day, under the arch of the foot for children under 12, and in the hollow of the wrist for children over 12. Be careful, this remedy is formally not recommended before 3 years. In children over six years of age, gargling with teaspoon of salt dissolved in a glass of boiled water (cooled, of course) can help soothe a sore throat. “Simple measures can also relieve a sore throat in children“, adds the pediatrician:
Hot drinks should be avoided.
► Ventilate the rooms regularly and avoid overheating because the hotter it is, the drier the air, and the more this favors the dryness of the throat and therefore the pain.
► Make to drink a lot of water to the child to moisturize the lining of his throat. On the other hand, hot drinks should be avoided.
► Give him candy lozenges which promote salivation and calm irritation.
► Offer him semi-liquid and fresh foods.
► Tell him to do not shout or clear your throat because it increases the pain.
► Avoid smoky atmospheres.
In a communicated published on 31 July 2013, ANSES recalls that, in accordance with WHO recommendations, it is formally advised against giving honey to babies under one year oldGiven the botulism risk infant. This rare disease, which affects the nervous system, is caused by the spores of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum which are present in honey. And for good reason, the immune system of children under one year old is not sufficiently developed to defend itself against the spores of this bacterium. On the other hand, beyond 12 months, the antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of honey can only be beneficial in soothing a child’s sore throat. “For the remedy to be effectiveit is better to give the child a pure teaspoon of honey, so that its mucous membranes are well lined. The operation can be repeated up to three times a day“, says the pediatrician.
When to worry and consult a doctor?
“It is necessary to consult a pediatrician as soon as possible if symptoms persist for more than 3 daysand in case of associated fever and/or vomiting“, informs the specialist.
Thanks to Dr Jérôme Valleteau de Moulliac, pediatrician in Paris. Source: No honey for children under one year, 07/31/2013, Anses