Sore throats

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's syndrome, a rare but serious illness.

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

• 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.