How to get rid of a sore throat
Sore throats can be extremely painful and difficult to deal with making eating, drinking and general everyday life extremely difficult. Sore throat is often caused as a result of viral or bacterial infection in the upper respiratory tract which then becomes inflammatory. The inflammation is usually responsible for the scratchy, itchy and dry feeling in the throat that usually accompanies a sore throat. If proper care is not taken sore throat may develop into serious ailments such as tonsillitis which has the potential to cause greater pain and discomfort. Given below are a few remedies that are quick and fast which can help you attain a quick relief from sore throats.
- Gargling with salt water
This is usually the most common and the most widely adopted remedy for a sore throat. Salt is added to mildly warm water and is gargled in the throat for about 10 minutes. This helps to reduce the swelling and the inflammation of the mucous membrane cells of the throat. While gargling care must be taken to ensure that the head is tipped back and the water being gargled hits the back of the throat, as this is necessary for the maximal effectiveness of the remedy. Salt water may be gargled for up to 3 times a day. Excess gargling may lead to the drying out of the mucous membrane present in the throat resulting in further pain and discomfort.
Unless it’s strep throat, antibiotics are unlikely to help you get over a sore throat.
- Using a hydrogen peroxide rinse
Hydrogen peroxide is a mild antiseptic that is usually used to clean wounds and to sanitise lesions. Hydrogen peroxide may also be effectively used to provide relief from throat irritation. Hydrogen peroxide bottles are easily available from drug-stores. The rinse is prepared by diluting a cap-ful of hydrogen peroxide in a cup of water. The mixture is then swished around in the moth ensuring that it hits the back of the mouth with regularity. It may be spat out after a minute or so of swishing. While purchasing the hydrogen peroxide bottle, ensure that the concentration is no greater than 3%. Details of the chemical composition are usually provided on the label of the bottle in which the solution is packed. Hydrogen peroxide by nature has a slightly bitter taste. Honey or other sweeteners may be used to make it more palatable.
- Use of throat sprays or lozenges
Another common remedy that is widely used is to administer throat sprays in the affected area. Several throat sprays are available in drug-stores that may be used to alleviate the symptoms of a sore throat. Throat sprays provide the advantage of accurately targeting the medication at the exact site of inflammation or swelling, which is often difficult in the case of gargling or swishing of the peroxide solution. Consuming lozenges can also help to soothe the effects of a sore throat. Most common lozenges contain menthol or peppermint, which provide added anti-septic and germ killing abilities. Used in conjunction with the throat spray, lozenges can help alleviate the discomfort and pain caused by a sore throat.
- Consuming chamomile tea
Chamomile is a fragrant flowering herb that is usually found in high altitudes. The leaves and flowers of chamomile can be used to prepare tea and other beverages. Consuming chamomile tea during throat aches can help in reducing the pain and the discomfort. As chamomile is particularly soothing just before bed, it can provide comfort during sleep as well.
- Drinking garlic broth
Garlic has several anti-septic and anti-bacterial properties, along with the power to fight infection and helping to augment the body’s immune system. Consuming garlic broth has been considered to provide relief from sore throats.
