How Do I Get Rid of a Sore Throat Quickly?
A sore throat raleigh nc can be an uncomfortable distraction. It may be painful to complete a simple task such as swallowing your saliva or the pain makes you want to avoid coughing. In order to properly treat the pain, it is important to first identify the cause of the sore throat. Common causes for a sore throat include dry air, smoking, acid reflux, viral infections such as the flu or a cold, and bacterial infections including strep.
In most cases, viral infections have additional symptoms to a sore throat, such as muscle aches and fatigue. In cases of bacterial infections, the pain is typically more exclusively the throat and the discomfort is quite severe. Patients often experience intense pain when swallowing, in addition to a high fever.
Some of the most popular at home remedies temporarily mask the pain, but do not offer a long-term solution. In order to properly relieve a sore throat, below are some of the most effective cures you can use in the comfort of your home.
- Salt Water Gargle: Gargling with salt water is an excellent remedy to use at home for a sore throat. It can help reduce swelling in addition to calming irritation and inflammation. The gargle may also aid in drawing infections or irritants to the surface of the throat, and be more easily eliminated. Combine about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt with eight ounces of warm water and gargle every one to two hours.
- Cold Beverages: While the initial drinks may not feel great, consuming ice-cold beverages can aid in numbing the throat and calming the inflammation.
- Popsicles: Sucking on a popsicle can be another effective method for treating throat inflammation. Avoid citrus flavors as they can trigger acid reflux and make the symptoms worse.
- Use a Humidifier: Breathing in dry air can cause further irritation to a sore throat and extend the recovery time. A steamy shower or humidifier can help ensure the air has plenty of moisture, and relieve the discomfort. In addition, the added moisture in your nose can aid in clearing out mucus and debris. It is important to clean your humidifier regularly as a dirty water tank on a humidifier can breed bacteria and fungi. While this likely will not make your throat pain worse, it can result in flu-like symptoms and worsen allergies or asthma.
- Avoid Acidic Food: Acid reflux, which happens when the acids in your stomach make their way into the throat, is another common cause for sore throats. Anything which triggers acid reflux can prolong or make a sore throat even worse. Things such as soda, fried foods, and citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons should all be avoided as they often trigger acid reflux. Food should be avoided about an hour before you go to bed as eating prior to laying down can induce reflux and heartburn.
- Antacids: For people who suffer from chronic acid reflux, it can be helpful to take an antacid or another form of reflux medicine to help relieve the pain. Before asking your doctor for a strong prescription option, try taking an over-the-counter antacid reliever such as Mylanta, Alka-Seltzer, or Tums.
- Turmeric: Turmeric is a spice which has recently become popular and gained notoriety for its many health benefits. It is available at most grocery stores and can easily be added to your current diet. While some of the reported benefits require additional research, the spice has proven anti-inflammatory properties and it can aid in relieving sore throat pain. Simply add a pinch of turmeric to your hot tea or salt-water rinse.