A sore throat is one of the most common ailments that afflict people around the world; It is usually caused by a virus or bacteria and is often accompanied by nasal congestion, fever, and other symptoms of the common cold. Sore throats can also be caused or exacerbated by smoking, dry heat, or allergic reactions. A sore throat is rarely the reason for a visit to the doctor; there are a number of steps you can take on your own to ease your discomfort.
If you smoke, quit. There are a thousand good reasons to quit smoking now; the fact that cigarette smoke is extremely irritating to the lining of the throat is one of them. Because dry heat is another throat irritant, you can use a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier in your bedroom while you sleep. The extra moisture in the air will help keep the lining of your throat from getting too dry while you sleep. If it is winter and you have heating in your house, you can place a container with water on the radiator or the heating duct in your bedroom; this will have roughly the same effect as a humidifier.
Throw away your old toothbrush and use a new one; Bacteria tend to accumulate on the bristles and can enter your system through sensitive areas in your gums. In general, it is good practice to change your toothbrush regularly.
One of the easiest ways to provide quick relief for a sore throat is to gargle with salt water. Salt can act as an antiseptic and draws water from the mucous membranes in the throat; water helps remove phlegm. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle, at least four times a day. Sore throat lozenges, which you can buy at most convenience stores, also work to increase saliva production and lubricate the throat. However, be careful when giving throat lozenges to young children; they can choke on them.
In general, drink plenty of fluids. Some people prefer cold liquids, or even suck on ice cubes or popsicles; others prefer hot drinks like tea or warm water. There seems to be wide disagreement as to whether warm liquids or cold liquids are better for a sore throat; The bottom line is, keep your throat flushed and drink whatever is relaxing!
An interesting concoction to soothe a sore throat, recommended by some, is to add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, a pinch of cayenne pepper, the juice of a quarter of a lemon, and a teaspoon of honey to a cup of hot water. . Drink a cup four times a day. The prospect of drinking such a potent cocktail may be enough to take the proper preventative measures and avoid succumbing to a sore throat to begin with. Honey, however, has antibacterial properties and has long been used to treat sore throats; honey also draws water from inflamed tissues in the throat, which reduces swelling. Add several teaspoons of honey to a glass of hot herbal tea or hot water, or make hot honey lemonade by adding several teaspoons to hot water mixed with the juice of half a lemon.
Other common foods that can soothe a sore throat include vitamin C (drinking orange juice or some other citrus drink); Vitamin C will boost your immune system and help fight infection. Also, dried garlic has antibacterial and antiseptic properties; you can add extra garlic to your food as a seasoning.
Several other natural products have been shown to help. Slippery Elm is a common tree in eastern North America; the inner bark of this tree contains mucilage, a gel that swells when mixed with water. This mucilage has traditionally been used as a cure for sore throats; It is believed to reduce throat irritation. It is sold in capsule form and is also found in various herbal teas. Check with your local health food store.
Licorice root has also long been used as a sore throat remedy; it is a common ingredient in various herbal teas. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, this root has been used to help treat a variety of ailments, including stomach ulcers, canker sores, and viral infections. However, you should not consume licorice root in large amounts, as it can cause high blood pressure and lower your body’s potassium level. Marshmallow root has also been used for centuries to treat sore throats; add a tablespoon of dried marshmallow root to a cup of boiling water and let it steep for 30 minutes before straining. Like slippery elm, marshmallow contains mucilage.
A sore throat should only last a few days; if the condition persists, you may want to see a doctor. And be sure to see a doctor if you have a severe sore throat or trouble swallowing; blood in your saliva or phlegm; tender or swollen lymph nodes in your neck; white or yellow spots on the back of the throat; pus in the throat; or other unusual symptoms.