Sore Throat Remedies

When you have a sore throat, you’re likely to immediately wonder what can help to soothe it. It isn’t always pleasant and may keep you from going about your normal routine and day.

You may not enjoy the way it feels to speak, eat or swallow. There are many different causes for a sore throat as well so you might not always know what’s going on, which can be frustrating. A sore throat can last a different amount of time depending on what’s causing it. Therefore, you should focus on learning some sore throat remedies to get your throat health back to proper and working order.

Warm and Cold Fluids

One sore throat remedy you may want to try and that often works is consuming warm and cold fluids. Think along the lines of sipping on warm drinks such as tea or eating some chicken noodle soup. As for cold liquids, ice water or popsicles should do the trick. Experiment with different options to see what works best and feels good on your throat.

You may have also heard of trying a hot toddy such as drinking water with lemon juice or honey served hot. Consider adding some spices to the drink for further benefits. Honey can reduce irritation and coughing while spices cause saliva production which improves hydration and mucus flow in your throat.  Liquids of all sorts keep things moving to prevent further issues and may even help with a cough if you have one.

Gargling Warm Salt Water

Another option when considering sore throat remedies is to gargle. Start by dissolving one half teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Gargle the mixture every three hours to help soothe your sore throat. Remember to gargle and not swallow the concoction. Either one of these items can reduce irritation and swelling and break up mucus.

Over-the-counter Antihistamines and Pain Relievers

You may also want to try over-the-counter antihistamines and pain relievers to try and clear up or reduce a sore throat. They may help to quickly relieve and dull a sore throat and make you feel better.

Steam and Humidity

Steam has the ability to moisturize a sore throat and move mucus along and loosen it up. Therefore, try taking a hot shower to relieve a sore throat. Be sure to breathe in deep when the shower gets really steamy for best results. A hot shower will not only help your throat but will also allow you to relax if you’re feeling anxious about your condition.

Rest

Listen to what your body is telling you and be prepared to rest as needed when you have a sore throat. Never underestimate the power of lying down and resting your head on a pillow for some time. Give it a try and then repeat as you feel it’s necessary. Close your eyes and allow your mind and body to completely let go. If you feel any increase in pressure from lying flat, then be sure to prop yourself up a bit.

Visit an ENT Doctor

When it comes to sore throat remedies, you may also want to consider seeking medical help and visiting an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor for treatment. You should see an ear, nose, and throat doctor if the pain prolongs and stretches into your ear or you have trouble swallowing and have enlarged lymph nodes. In addition, seek medical attention if you have a high fever or lose your voice for more than a week.

Here at ENT Physicians Inc., we have provided medical and hearing health care to families in the Toledo community for over 35 years. We specialize in diagnosing and treating ear, nose and throat disorders in both adults and children.

Keep in mind that prevention is always best when it comes to your health. Therefore, do your best to avoid dry air, smoking, acidic foods and lying down right after you eat to steer clear of acid reflux. All these things can irritate your throat and make it feel sore.

Know yourself and your body and don’t be afraid to see an ENT doctor if you feel it’s necessary. They can properly diagnose the problem and get you on a treatment plan right away. You can learn more about ENT Physicians Inc. by calling us today at (419) 318-4987.