Soothing a sore throat

If your child is suffering from a sore throat, these simple steps can help you care for your child at home.

An older child can gargle with warm salt water. Put 1 teaspoon of salt in an 8-ounce glass and have your child gargle for a few minutes. This procedure can be done every few hours or as needed for relief of pain.

You may give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol or Panadol). But do not give your child aspirin because it has been associated with Reye Syndrome, a rare but serious illness.

These few suggestions can help relieve mild sore throat pain. However, if your child experiences any of these more serious symptoms, contact your doctor immediately:

• Severe throat pain or drooling.
• Trouble swallowing or breathing.
• Lymph nodes (glands) in the neck that have become big and swollen.
• A fever that lasts more than 48 hours.