Sore throat in children

Sore throat in children

In children and adolescents, a sore throat and swallowing difficulties usually occur as symptoms of a cold. Colds are particularly common in children: It is estimated that, on average, children are affected 3 to 8 times a year. Having a sore throat remedy that is reliable and well-tolerated is thus all the more important.

Tip:
Dorithricin® throat lozenges are sugar-free, extremely well-tolerated and also suitable for children as soon as they are able to suck on lozenges without a risk of choking. Thanks to their delicious wild-berry flavour, Dorithricin® Wild Berry throat lozenges are particularly popular with children.

Sore throat in children

When is it time to go to the doctor?

  • If your child is experiencing severe throat pain or swallowing difficulties
  • If a sore throat fails to improve after 3 days, or gets worse
  • If additional symptoms occur, such as fever, difficulty breathing, severe malaise
  • When the lymph nodes are swollen
  • In case of skin rash
  • If the tongue turns raspberry-red in colour
  • When infants and toddlers have a sore throat

Causes of sore throat in children

In children, a sore throat usually occurs in connection with a cold. In fact, children are very prone to colds. One reason: Their immune system is not yet fully developed and can therefore only partially ward off pathogens. In addition, the risk of infection is particularly high in kindergarten or at school. Having many children playing and learning together in a confined space makes it easy for pathogens to spread.

In principle, however, a sore throat can also be associated with other clinical pictures, such as scarlet fever. The following table provides a general overview of possible causes, but cannot replace an accurate diagnosis by a paediatrician.

Clinical picture Sore throat Other symptoms
Common cold (flu-like infection) often in conjunction with pharyngitis At the beginning, those suffering often experience a scratchy sensation in the throat, later sore throat and possibly swallowing difficulties Runny nose, cough, hoarseness, mild headache and pain in the limbs and joints, elevated temperature
Tonsillitis

Severe throat pain and swallowing difficulties

 Fever, pronounced malaise, mouth odour, swollen, reddened tonsils partly covered with white specks; possibly also abdominal pain and vomiting
Scarlet fever Sore throat, swallowing difficulties Fever, swollen lymph nodes, pronounced malaise, skin rash, "raspberry tongue"

Important:
If certain symptoms occur, it is imperative that you take your child to the doctor. In principle, this also applies when small children have a sore throat or when the pain is prolonged and severe. Please also refer to the info box at the top right.

Sore throat in small children – correctly interpreting symptoms

Small children (younger than pre-schoolers) are often unable to correctly describe pain yet. Therefore, you should always look out for indirect signs. For example, refusing to eat can be related to a sore throat.

If you suspect that your toddler or infant has a sore throat, you should always visit your doctor.

Works within minutes1
Lasts for hours1
Fights bacteria and viruses2
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Treating sore throat in children

For the treatment of a sore throat in children, prescription-free medication is available at the pharmacy.

Tip:
Dorithricin® throat lozenges are extremely well-tolerated and also suitable for children as soon as they are able to suck on lozenges without a risk of choking. The throat lozenges alleviate pain without causing unpleasant numbness. They also fight bacteria and viruses.

Just for kids:
Dorithricin® throat lozenges with a delicious wild-berry flavour – sugar-free, of course! Find out more

In addition to targeting a sore throat with Dorithricin® throat lozenges, supportive remedies may be helpful. This includes drinking more fluids and humidifying the air, as well as home remedies such as a hot compress made from mashed baked potatoes or sage tea. Click here for more tips for parents.

1 Palm et al., Int J Clin Pract. 2018; e13272
2 Schmidbauer M., 2015: Dorithricin® wirkt antiviral (in vitro). Pharm. Ztg., 160. Jahrgang, 38. Ausg.: S. 48–52.
*for age information please refer to the package leaflet in your country or ask your local chemist or doctor