Sore throat is a concomitant symptom of angina, laryngitis, colds, inflammation of the lymph nodes. In infants, discomfort is especially common, since the body's defenses are often weakened. Sore throat is a frequent visitor to children aged two to eight years. From this article you will learn how to treat a throat for a 4-year-old child, a list of the most effective medications and folk recipes.
Causes of a sore throat in a child
A sore throat in a child can occur with various pathologies. Most often this is a consequence of the inflammatory process in the nasopharynx, larynx, in the tonsils or tonsils. In some cases, due to frequent tonsillitis, it is necessary to remove the tonsils.
When an infection enters the oral cavity, the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx and larynx, it causes frequent inflammation and pain. Due to the active activity of bacteria and infections, the mucous membrane of the throat is disturbed, the amount of saliva is reduced, and there is a feeling of dryness and pain. This feeling is especially strong in the morning.
How to treat a throat for a 4-year-old child, if every month he exacerbates the symptoms of the red throat, pain and dryness? First you need to show it to the otolaryngologist. Having learned the exact diagnosis, you can build a treatment plan.
Sore throat symptom
In the vast majority of cases, inflammation of the throat and tonsils in children is observed in acute respiratory diseases. In rare cases, there are other reasons why inflammation of the tonsils and redness of the throat occurs. Here is a list of them:
- pharyngitis - sore throat from the neck (back wall);
- laryngitis is characteristic of an inflamed larynx;
- tonsillitis (in medical language - tonsillitis) - tonsil swelling, with a chronic form, the throat often and very sore, the formation on the glands of the plaque is gray or yellow;
- scarlet fever - an inflammation of the throat, accompanied by fever and fever;
- false croup (in medical language - stenosis of the larynx) - rapid narrowing of the throat, in the absence of treatment can result in suffocation;
- diphtheria provokes an increase, swelling of the tonsils, it becomes difficult for the baby to breathe, symptoms of suffocation appear;
- injury to the nasopharynx with sharp objects or toys.
Examination and Diagnostics
If a child has problems with a throat, you must make an appointment with an otolaryngologist. He will examine the throat, shine inside with a special lighting device, check the condition of the tonsils and tonsils. He will make notes on an outpatient card, prescribe the necessary drugs.
In some cases, removal of the glands may be required. But this is a rather traumatic operation for young children. Up to five years, it is carried out under local anesthesia. Most often, you can do with drug therapy.
If a child has a sore throat combined with fever
If the temperature has risen above the mark of 38 degrees, then you need to call an ambulance, explaining the situation by phone. The therapist on duty will examine the child and, in the presence of severe intoxication, problems with the lymph nodes, diagnoses an infection of a bacterial or viral type. If scarlet fever or purulent tonsillitis has been diagnosed, you will have to necessarily puncture or drink a course of antibiotics. If there are signs of a fungal infection of the nasopharynx or throat, the doctor will prescribe antimycotic drugs.
If the temperature from 37 to 38 degrees is accompanied by a sore throat, then most likely the child has pharyngitis or a common cold. In this case, treatment is also required. Antibiotics for such symptoms are not prescribed. In order to eliminate the pain, Doctor Mom lozenges are prescribed. They must be resolved according to the doctor’s prescription. Sprays with an antiseptic in the composition or the drug "Sumamed" are also used. Dosage and duration of treatment is prescribed by a doctor.
Pharmacy Overview
Oil-based solutions that have the same spectrum of action as throat washing preparations have an excellent effect on sore throats due to inflammation of the tonsils and tonsils. Oil solutions last longer and more effectively affect the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx, providing a long-lasting anesthetic effect. These include Lugol, Chlorophyllipt's oil infusion.
How to treat the throat of a 4 year old child? Such babies like delicious absorbable tablets. It is important to ensure that the child does not cut his tongue with a piece of candy, namely, dissolves it, and not chew it.
Local effects on the throat are various aerosols and sprays. Aerosol "Chlorophyllipt" for the throat for children at 4 years of age is prescribed to relieve symptoms of pain and dryness. Aqualor Baby, Aquasept are also good. Even if a sore throat is caused by an infectious cause, aerosols and sprays can be used to relieve pain.
Folk remedies for throat in children
Here is a list of recipes and ingredients for treating a baby's throat at home:
- hot tea with honey contributes to a temporary decrease in pain, expectoration of sputum;
- warming compresses will help relieve swelling from the larynx, improve local blood circulation;
- with colds, it is advisable for children to rub their chest, back and neck before going to bed with badger and goat fat, after which they warmly wrapped a blanket;
- drink hot decoctions of herbs with anti-inflammatory effects (nettle, chamomile, calendula, yarrow).
How to gargle a child 4 years old? For this purpose, broths of eucalyptus, honey solution, sea salt or baking soda (dissolved in boiled water) are perfect.
How to treat a sore throat for a child under three years old
First of all, it is necessary to correctly diagnose the type of pathogen. It is important to completely exclude diseases such as scarlet fever, infectious mononucleosis, and measles. If necessary, the otolaryngologist prescribes antibiotics that can be for babies and which will not affect growth and development.
With the viral nature of the disease, antiviral agents, chewing sweets with anesthetic are prescribed. When diagnosing a fungal infection, antimycotic drugs are prescribed.
Alas, rinsing for children under three years of age is prohibited: the child is often not yet able to understand how to carry out such a procedure and swallows the solution instead of spitting it out.
You should be careful and read the instructions for the drugs. Many components of modern medications can cause serious allergic reactions in babies up to three years. In some cases, side effects are very serious, even fatal.
How to treat a throat for a child 4 years old
At this age, the body's defense systems already function perfectly. If a child attends kindergarten, then most likely he has already formed excellent immunity. When making a diagnosis, it is important to exclude infectious diseases that require the use of antibiotic agents.
In other cases, the following groups of drugs will effectively help:
- antiseptic sprays;
- inhalation from a sore throat;
- lozenges and absorbable tablets;
- tonsil oil solutions;
- compresses on the neck.
From folk remedies, all remedies with honey and based on bee products are good. Recommended gargling for children with warm infusion of chamomile, calendula, yarrow. What else can help? Miramistin Spray for children for the throat has a quick effect of getting rid of pain and swelling.
Inhalation for baby throat
Inhalation is also very effective. You can use Pulmicort, Dioxidin, Chlorophyllipt.
For this purpose, you can use a special device - a nebulizer. The principle of its action is that a nebulizer converts a liquid with a therapeutic composition into steam of the required temperature. On the display of the device you can set the desired temperature.
Procedures are indicated for both children and adolescents with inflammations of a viral nature. With the bacterial nature of the pathogen, heat and exposure to therapeutic steam will contribute to the spread of infection.
Antiseptic sprays for sore throat in children
Due to the ability to act on pathogenic microorganisms on the mucosa, such drugs are very effective.
Miramistin Spray for children for the throat is very popular. It has a quick effect of getting rid of pain and swelling. For best effect, it should be used several times a day. The exact dosage may be prescribed by the otolaryngologist. The drug has a minimal list of contraindications.
"Tantum Verde" is allowed for use by children aged 3-6 years, several sprayings in the morning and evening. Adolescents and adults need to increase the dosage to achieve a therapeutic effect. The course of treatment is about ten days. The drug is effective in the treatment of viral pharyngitis.
Lollipops and sweet absorbable tablets
They are especially loved by children for their pleasant taste. It is important to ensure that the child does not bite through the lollipop, this can lead to trauma to the mucous membrane of the throat and aggravation of pain.
"Hexoral" - lozenges for children 4 years old. They have a pleasant citrus flavor and aroma. They have a concentration not of candy, but of a bar, so that children do not scratch their tongue and throat. They have anesthetic and anti-inflammatory effects.
"Lizobakt" - a local antiseptic for diseases of the nasopharynx. It has an antiviral effect. Relieves pain a little worse and slower than Hexoral.
"Faringosept" in the form of tablets is acceptable for children from three years old. Almost no side effects, has an antibacterial effect. Prevents the multiplication of infection. The necessary dosage and duration of treatment is determined by the otolaryngologist.
Chewable Trachisan contains lidocaine. Thanks to this component, it can relieve sore throat in a matter of minutes. Allowed for children over six years old. Before use, be sure to read the contraindications in the instructions.
Antibacterials for sore throat
With the bacterial nature of the pathology, treatment with antibacterial drugs is necessary. Viral infections are not treated with antibiotics.
Here are the most popular pharmacy products:
- Amoxiclav can cure tonsillitis as quickly as possible. It is a suspension preparation. Effectively fights infections, bacteria, and is approved for children. The dosage is prescribed by the attending physician, but most often children of three years old should take about 2.5-3 ml of Amoxiclav three times a day.
- "Sumamed" quickly and effectively eliminates the symptoms of angina. A drug is prescribed during the transition of acute tonsillitis to a chronic form. For children older than 6 months, the dosage of "Sumamed" should be calculated depending on their weight.
- "Hexoral" in the form of a spray has an antifungal and antibacterial effect. It is effective for tonsillitis and other dental or ENT problems. Can be used for children over four years old.
Antipyretic and analgesic drugs
Angina is characterized by a rise in temperature in a child up to 39 degrees, swelling of the nasopharynx and severe pain. In such cases, it is necessary to take antipyretic drugs. Does the child have a sore throat at 4 years old, while the temperature has risen greatly? Most likely, the following remedies will help (the dosage and duration of treatment should be selected by the doctor):
- Grammidine is prescribed for children over four years of age. These are absorbable lozenges. They have antibacterial and antiseptic effects. They are prescribed for acute tonsillitis and tonsillitis. The daily dosage for a child of four years is two tablets per day.
- Bioparox is available in the form of a spray and tablets. The composition includes an antibiotic. It can be used only after consulting a doctor. To achieve a therapeutic effect, two inhalations are enough.
- Septolete provides an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect. It is prescribed for the treatment of tonsillitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, scarlet fever. Prohibited for children under four years of age.
Antiviral drugs
If parents are sure that the cause of a child's sore throat is a cold, then you can take a course of the following medicines:
- Arbidol;
- "Kagocel";
- children's "Rimantadine";
- Children's "Interferon".
They have a complex effect on viruses and strengthen immunity. It is advisable to combine them with local remedies for sore throat - Doctor Mom candies, various sprays and aerosols. In the case of taking antiviral pills alone, their action will be extended in time, and the child will have to suffer from sore throat for an extra two to three days.