Ease your child’s discomfort: Spray away the pain of sore throats

Parents often feel worried when their child complains of a sore throat, wondering if it is just a passing irritation or a sign of a more serious issue. 

Sore throats typically stem from inflammation in the pharynx, tonsils or nasopharynx, triggered by factors like allergies or exposure to second-hand smoke. However, the condition often presents as a symptom of viral infections such as the common cold, influenza or COVID-19; or may signal a strep throat, caused by bacteria. 

According to Ms Sue Low, head of medical affairs and patient safety at iNova Pharmaceuticals (Asia, Middle East, Europe, North Africa), children and teenagers are most likely to develop sore throats due to age-related susceptibility factors.

“Individuals between three and 15 years old are also more prone to contracting strep throat,” she added. 

The onset of a strep throat is often abrupt, marked by symptoms such as fever, swollen neck glands, white pus or patches at the back or sides of the throat, small red spots on the roof of the mouth as well as swelling of the uvula (the fleshy structure at the back of the soft palette). “It is important to consult a doctor if one is showing signs of strep throat,” shared Ms Low. 

In Singapore, sore throats arising from viral infections tend to peak during the two primary influenza seasons – November to February and May to July. With children returning to school after the December and June holidays, their proximity to a large number of peers increases the odds of exposure to the influenza virus.  

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR CHILD’S THROAT HURTS

When a child has a sore throat, eating can become a challenging task. To ensure children receive sufficient nourishment, Ms Low recommends offering them soft, easy-to-swallow foods such as mashed potatoes, alongside warm liquids.

According to Ms Low, it is important to address sore throat symptoms promptly to prevent your child’s condition from worsening and mitigate the risk of potential complications. 

Among the range of remedies for sore throat, throat sprays may offer effective relief for soothing throat discomfort. Ms Low highlights their ease of use and ability to deliver medicinal ingredients directly to inflamed throat tissues. “Throat sprays effectively target hard-to-reach areas such as the back of the mouth or throat where pain occurs,” she said. 

AN ACTIVE COMPONENT IN ALLEVIATING PAINFUL SORE THROATS 

Known for its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, benzydamine is commonly used to treat symptoms of sore throats, tonsillitis and mouth ulcers, and can be found in products such as mouthwashes, lozenges and throat sprays. 

“The Difflam for Children Throat Spray contains benzydamine hydrochloride and provides temporary relief from pain and inflammation in the mouth and throat. It also exerts a numbing effect on the affected area,” said Ms Low, who added that the product has a well-established safety profile for use in children above the age of six. 

She advised that the sprayed liquid be swallowed gently by the child upon application. “Always refer to the product label or enclosed leaflet for recommended dosage information,” said Ms Low.

As parents attend to their child’s throat discomfort, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional if their child’s condition persists beyond five days or be accompanied by other concerning symptoms, such as difficulty in breathing or swallowing, excessive drooling in infants or young children, difficulty in mouth opening, swelling of the neck and a temperature above 38.3 degrees Celsius. 

“These symptoms could be indicative of other serious conditions or complications, and warrant immediate medical attention,” said Ms Low. 

Find out more about Difflam for Children Throat Spray. For further details, refer to the product label. Difflam products are available at Watsons, Guardian and Unity stores.