When to See a Doctor

• Sore throats can turn into more serious conditions if they continue for a long period without relief. If you notice that your child is drooling a lot, if your child develops a fever higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit or if your child develops a rash, it is definitely time to see a doctor. A doctor will collect a culture to identify what is causing the sore throat so an appropriate medication can be prescribed. Other signs that it is time to bring the child to a physician include swollen lymph glands in the child's neck, noticeable pus in the throat area, red strips or patches in the back of the throat and/or the onset of respiratory difficulties.
  
  

Sore Throats and Dry Air

• Investing in a vaporizer is recommended for children who suffer from sore throats caused by dry air. Air is drier during winter months and nighttime breathing through the mouth dries out the back of the throat, causing pain. A vaporizer creates a cool mist that moistens dry air, making it easier to breathe. In lieu of the latter, you can boil a pan of hot water on the stove and let the steam fill the air to add moisture to the air, but you must always keep the pan out of the child's reach.
  
  

Sore Throats Caused By the Common Cold

• If the child's throat is irritated because he has a cold, there are several natural remedies that can help alleviate the condition. Mixing one-half teaspoon of table salt in a warm cup of water and allowing the child to gargle with it helps to diminish the pain associated with a sore throat. The warm water soothes the back of the throat while the salt works on drawing out any possible infection and/or bacteria that is causing the sore throat.
  
  If the child can tolerate it well, popsicles are great for a sore throat; this is a cure often used to help children who have had their tonsils removed. The cold sensation associated with the popsicle helps to diminish swelling and inflammation of the sore throat and works as a natural anesthetic, too.
  
  

Tea and Honey

• Some children tolerate regular tea and honey well; honey is thick and serves to coat the back of the throat to offer pain relief. However, children under the age of 1 should not be offered honey at any time, because honey contains small amounts of clostridium botulinum that can make the child ill. If your child is over 1 and has no aversion to tea and honey, the beverage can be offered several times daily for sore-throat relief.