How to Soothe a Sore Throat
Sore throat is a very common ailment many people suffer from today, and it can come from various causes, such as bacterial or viral infection, allergies and even pollution. It’s a very unpleasant and painful dilemma, but there are ways to relieve and eventually get rid of it. Here’s how to soothe a sore throat that’s bugging you.
Sore Throat Prevention
Prevention is definitely better than cure, especially when it comes to sore throats. There are many risk factors of getting this ailment, but there are a few simple tactics to completely avoid it.
Always wash your hands with antibacterial soap and water. Use a hand sanitizer.
Avoid sharing utensils, napkins, or towels with other people, especially those who have colds, cough or strep throat..
Humidify your home.
Stay away from too much exposure to pollution.
Avoid dehydration by drinking enough fluids.
Don’t smoke or expose yourself to secondhand smoke.
Steps
You can wait for a sore throat to go away on its own, but if you want to soothe it, there are a number of methods you can try.
Gargle. It helps disinfect and heal your sore throat. Salt dissolved in warm water works great, even if it tastes terrible; just don’t drink it and spit it out. You can also use regular mouthwash. Gargle twice a day, once in the morning and one at night, or more, if you want.
Drink hot liquids. The heat of the beverage coasts the inflamed throat areas, giving you a soothing feeling. Sip some coffee or tea, or even a lemon drink. You can also warm up fruit juices, such as apple or orange juice, for a nutritious and soothing drink, Adding hot soup to your diet is also a good idea.
Eat the right kind of food. You don’t want to ingest anything that can cause more harm than good to your sore throat. Go for soft, easy to chew foods, such as broth or sherbet. Cold food items are all right, but make sure they’re not too sweet since excessive sugar causes throat irritation. You should also stay away from spicy foods.
Take medications. There are many different kinds that can offer sore throat relief, varying in effectiveness and strength. An anesthetic throat spray works by numbing your throat temporarily, soothing it. There are also throat lozenges that offer the same relief.
Try honey. Sweet food isn’t advisable for someone with sore throat, but honey is an exemption. Swallow a spoonful or two of liquid honey to coat your sore throat. You can also mix it in your warm fruit juice or tea.
Steam your face. Steam adds the right amount of moisture and heat to your throat, the same way that a hot beverage does. First, boil water, until it starts to steam. Afterwards, remove it from the stove, transfer to a table, then put your head over the steam. Cover your head and the pot with a towel, so you’ll capture the steam, inhaling it.
Why go through the pain of having a sore throat, when you can relieve it? As long as you follow these steps and get some rest, the unpleasant feeling will go away sooner than you think.