Simple Tips To Care For Your Child's Sore Throat

S0re throats can be caused by low humidity in your home, not enough fluids, seasonal dryness, smoke and allergies. Sore throats can also be caused by viral or bacteria infections, including strep throat.

Here are some simple tips for caring a child's sore throat:

• Have your child gargle with warm salt water every couple of hours. Use 1/4 teaspoon of table salt in an 8 ounce glass of water. This will help lessen the irritation that is causing his throat to feel sore.

• Have him suck on ice pops or other frozen desserts. They will feel good on his throat and help him get enough liquids. Older children can also suck on throat lozenges (cough drops), hard candy or ice and gargle with salt water.

• Give him a lot of liquids, up to 8 to 10 glasses each day. Juice and water are best. Warm liquids are soothing to the back of the throat.

• Give him paracetamol for fever or other aches. Do not give aspirin to children because it may increase their risk of Reye's syndrome.

• Let him rest. It will help his body get rid of the virus or bacteria that is causing the infection