Looking to find ways to relieve a sore throat? Does your throat feel dry, scratchy and sore when you swallow? A sore throat is quite common in the winter and autumn months. Most of the time it is an indication of a cold, infection or some pathogenic microorganism. It is mainly located at the back of the pharynx and can be accompanied by muscle weakness, fatigue or even fever.
Regardless, a sore throat is one of the most unpleasant sensations as it makes everyday life difficult, swallowing food and even reduces the quality of sleep. It therefore makes sense to look for ways to relieve the painful symptoms of a sore throat.
Sore throat Causes:
Initially, a sore throat can be due to various causes. The most common causes are the following:
- Cold.
- Cold or flu.
- Pharyngitis.
- Irritation from some food.
- Frequent mouth breathing.
- Regression. In case of reflux, avoid eating acidic foods as well as eating before bed.
How to Alleviate a Sore Throat?
There are several ways and habits you can incorporate into your daily routine to relieve a sore throat.
1. Try hot herbal teas.
Herbal teas are known for their soothing properties and are a natural remedy for sore throat relief. Warm infusions of herbs, such as chamomile, green tea, ginger tea or even turmeric relieve an irritated sore throat by reducing inflammation. Thanks to their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, ginger and turmeric can help manage sore throats. They also stimulate the immune system and contribute to the hydration of irritated tissues in the throat. You can even try lemon tea which contains vitamin C to improve immunity always combined with honey. Incorporating herbal tea into your routine offers a pleasant and natural approach to sore throat relief.
2. Drink Echinacea.
Echinacea is a natural ally for treating colds and flu. The plant contains active compounds such as flavonoids, polysaccharides and alkamids, which are believed to contribute to its medicinal effects. It is considered an immunostimulant as it shields the body's defenses against viruses and infections while in sore throat acts as an analgesic, helping to relieve it.
3. Put garlic in your diet.
Garlic has many health benefits, including antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help relieve sore throats. Garlic contains allicin, a compound with known antibacterial and antiviral properties. These properties suggest that garlic may help fight underlying causes of sore throats, such as bacterial or viral infections.
One way to use garlic to relieve a sore throat is to incorporate it into warm liquids, such as soups or herbal teas. You can also make a garlic infusion by crushing fresh garlic and steeping it in hot water to create a garlic tea. You can also eat garlic raw, but since it is a strong spice, you should be careful when eating it raw.
4. Eat some honey.
Honey is used to soothe a sore throat by creating a thick and sticky consistency, coating the throat with a soothing layer. This coating action helps protect irritated neck tissues, reducing friction and minimizing discomfort. Also, honey has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help inhibit the growth of bacteria and other germs that may contribute to a sore throat.
You can eat honey plain or add a quantity of honey to a hot drink or mix honey with a little lemon juice. However, it is important to note that honey should not be given to infants under one year of age due to the risk of botulism.
5. Keep the air moist.
Dry air aggravates a sore throat. Low humidity levels can cause health problems just as high humidity levels thrive on the growth of bacteria, mold and fungi. The appropriate level of humidity in a closed space ranges from 30-50%. To moisten the atmosphere and your throat you can boil water in a pot and inhale the moist air. But be careful not to inhale over boiling water for too long as this may cause burns.
6. Gargle with mouthwash with antiseptic properties.
B Braun's Prontoral mouthwash with antiseptic properties helps prevent a sore throat or cold from the first symptoms. Polyexanide reduces the bacterial and viral load in the upper respiratory tract, fighting viruses. ProntOral Antimicrobial Mouthwash with Polyexanide is an easy measure to prevent and quickly treat a sore throat while being effective in quickly eradicating Covid-19.
Try gargling with Prontoral Polyexanide Antimicrobial Mouthwash three times a day for about 30 seconds to decolonize the oral and pharyngeal cavity!
When Should I See the Doctor?
If you notice any of the following happening, it's a good idea to get in touch with your doctor.
- When a sore throat is severe, prolonged, does not improve, or extends to your ear.
- It hurts a lot when swallowing or opening your mouth.
- You cough up blood or have blood in your saliva.
- Feel enlarged lymph nodes, or lumps, in your neck.
- You have white spots on the back of your throat or a rash (strep).
- You have a fever.