A child with a sore throat can be a pitiful sight. The hoarse voice, reluctance to eat or drink due to pain, and the painful-looking redness can worry any parent. There are plenty of sore throat lozenges to ease the pain of a child's sore throat, but a concerned parent may wonder about their safety. At what age can children use throat lozenges? Do the ingredients cause any side effects?
Children's sore throat lozenges are a choking hazard for children under four-years-old, and should not be used. Parents may mistakenly think that the lollipop-style lozenges are safer than round or oval lozenges. However, children may bite off chunks off from the lollipops, and the chunks could be aspirated or become lodged in the throat, causing the child to choke. For children under age four, chose a different remedy.
The active ingredient in most children's lozenges, pectin, is extremely safe for all ages. Pectin is derived from fruits, usually citrus peels, and has no known side effects. Packages typically list pectin as an oral demulcent, which simply means that it soothes the mouth and throat. Parents can feel safe giving their children throat lozenges containing pectin.
Menthol is another ingredient sometimes found in throat lozenges. Menthol is derived from mint plants, and has long been used for its soothing and cough suppressing abilities, and also as a decongestant. While parents can feel safe giving their children throat lozenges with menthol, they should be cautioned against excess use. Menthol in high doses can cause skin irritation and hypersensitivity to allergens, although such reactions are rare.
Stronger sore throat lozenges contain oral anesthetics named benzocaine or dyclocaine. These two drugs are from the same family and are found in lozenge or spray form. While benzocaine and dyclocaine are extremely effective and are considered safe, they have a greater number of possible side effects than the more natural remedies. Possible side effects include hives, rash, and a burning sensation, and the drugs can interfere with some medical tests.
Herbal or homeopathic lozenges are also available for children. Echinacea is commonly found in children's lozenges and is thought to enhance the immune system. Echinacea is safe and has no known side effects, although it should not be used for longer than seven days. Homeopathic throat lozenges are also safe, and contain such small doses of medicine there are no side effects or drug interactions, although menthol may inhibit their effectiveness.
Parents should always be cautious about giving their children medicines, even over-the-counter cold remedies. Follow the package directions about dosages, and contact a doctor if a child is sick for more than a few days or has a high temperature. Remember never to give aspirin to children for any reason, including sore throat, due to the risk of Rye syndrome. Luckily, sore throat lozenges, when used correctly, are some of the safest medicines available for children. When the sore throat strikes, parents can absolutely feel safe giving their children sore throat lozenges to help them feel better quickly.
