When To See A Doctor About Throat Pain
Dr. Allan advises using common sense when deciding whether to seek out medical care.
- Have throat pain thats severe, prolonged or not improving, or stretches into your ear.
- Have trouble swallowing, breathing or opening your mouth.
- Are coughing up blood or have blood in your saliva.
- Feel enlarged lymph nodes, or lumps, in your neck.
- Have white patches on the back of your throat or a rash, possible signs of strep throat or scarlet fever.
- Have a high fever.
- Lose your voice for more than a week or two.
And remember, when it comes to illnesses, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Wash your hands often. And if you do get sick, Dr. Allan recommends immediately replacing your toothbrush with a fresh, germ-free one.
Preparation Of The Solution
If you decide to use traditional medicine methods to treat the disease, then you need to understand how soda works for a sore throat. The recipe for the solution and treatment is extremely simple. For rinsing, you need to take a glass of hot boiled water and dissolve 5 mg of baking soda in it. After that, the mixture is cooled to approximately 30 degrees. If more treatment is carried out in a child, then the amount of soda should be slightly reduced. So, for babies, you should use half a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of boiled water.
Important! Swallowing a soda gargle can cause stomach problems.
Due to the danger of swallowing a soda solution when treating children who cannot perform the procedure correctly, it is better to use infusions of medicinal herbs such as chamomile, sage and others, which are safe to swallow.
The procedure is carried out only using freshly prepared, well-mixed solutions. Rinsing with soda is carried out no more than five times a day for at least five minutes. More frequent rinsing can have the opposite effect – lead to excessive dryness of the pharyngeal surface, as well as cause itching and additional painful sensations.
How To Get Rid Of A Sore Throat
Sore throats are uncomfortable, inconvenient, and often a sign that youre coming down with a viral infection. While sore throats are frustrating enough during the day, theyre even worse at night when theyre keeping you awake because swallowing hurts. Everyone wants to know how to get rid of a sore throat because when youre in pain and just want to go to sleep, youre willing to try anything. However, not all sore throat remedies are created equal, and some are definitely more effective than others.
Don’t Miss: Medicine For Sore Throat And Headache
Cures Sore Throat At Home
A sore throat refers to itchiness or irritation in the throat. The primary symptom of a sore throat is pain in the throat. The pain may get worse when you swallow food and liquids.
Even if a sore throat isnt serious enough to be a symptom of COVID-19, it still stings and may prevent you from getting you regular tasks done.
Fortunately, you can use home remedies to soothe the pain and irritation.
Remedies To Soothe Your Sore Throat Pain
A sore throat is often the first sign that you are coming down with a cold or the flu.
A sore throat is an inflammation at the back of throat and surrounding area, known as the pharynx. That inflammation leads to common sore throat symptoms like scratchiness, pain, swelling, and discomfort.
Acting fast when you notice that first telltale tingle or twinge of pain might help keep your sore throat symptoms to a minimum. If your sore throat has quickly taken on a life of its own, donât worry. There are plenty of over-the-counter medicines for sore throat â some of them already in your kitchen cupboard or medicine cabinet â ready to help ease the pain and scratchiness.
Keep reading for 10 remedies for sore throat ready to ease your pain.
From its warm, amber color to its thick, syrupy consistency, and mild, sweet taste honey is natureâs sore throat remedy. Honey boasts a range of anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.1
As a precaution, children under 1 year of age should not consume honey due to susceptibility to a toxin it may contain.2
Itâs something most of us grew up with and might be the first thing you think of when a sore throat catches hold. Gargling with warm salt water reduces inflammation, promotes healing, and inhibits the growth of bacteria in the mouth. Salt water also helps thin mucus and is a one of the best home remedies for cough and sore throat. Gargle twice a day for sore throat relief.3
Recommended Reading: Keep Sneezing And Runny Nose
When To See Your Doctor
A scratchy or irritated sore throat usually isnt cause for alarm. Most sore throats caused by colds or the flu go away in 10 days or fewer.
However, you should see a doctor if any of the following apply to you:
- Severe sore throat pain lasting more than a few days
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- White spots or pus in the back of the throat, or red and swollen tonsils
- A red rash that feels like sandpaper
- Swollen, tender glands in the neck
- Fever of 101 degrees or higher
- Have a sore throat and have been around someone recently diagnosed with strep throat
Most sore throats are caused by viruses. However, bacteria can cause strep throat, which can bring on a sudden, severe sore throat.
While strep shares common symptoms with other sore throats, there are differences. Strep throat usually lasts longer. It doesnt usually come with a cough, as many sore throats do. You also may develop a fever, vomiting, lack of appetite, and red tonsils or white spots in the back of your throat. A swab test by your doctor can confirm whether you have strep.
Baking Soda For Flu Colds Sore Throat And Coughs
Baking soda for flu, colds, coughs, and sore throats is a simple and basic tip to quickly relieve our body from the attacks of bacteria and other viruses in our respiratory system.
It is especially indicated to be used in the first moments of infections as well as for small coughs and infections that do not necessarily require consultation of a doctor.
A very simple use that should be repeated several times a day until the symptoms disappear.
Here is a text that explains it all in a little more detail.
Also Check: Symptoms Of Fluid In Ears
What Is The Cause Behind A Sore Throat
There are several different causes of a sore throat.
They include viruses, such as those that cause colds, the flu, and COVID-19. Bacteria, specifically those that cause strep throat, can cause a sore throat too.
Allergies to substances such as pollen, mold, and pet dander are another possible cause. So are irritants in the environment, such as secondhand smoke, air pollution, or chemical fumes.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease or a tumor in the throat can cause a sore throat as well.
According to the , a viral infection is the most common cause of a sore throat.
What To Do For A Sore Throat
Your poor, sore throat. Is there anything that can help? Here are the most effective home remedies for a sore throat.
To get rid of a sore throat, there are 6 home remedies you should try:
1. Warm and cold fluids.
Sip on warm drinks, such as tea or chicken soup. Or try cold liquids, such as ice water or popsicles. Liquids help clear mucous membranes, keeping things flowing and preventing sinus infections. Warm temperatures may also reduce coughs by soothing the back of the throat. Try both warm and cold to see what works best for you.
2. Gargling.
Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt or a similar amount of baking soda in a glass of warm water. Gargle the concoction every three hours for an all-natural sore throat remedy. Salt water can help reduce swelling and irritation in your throat. Baking soda also soothes the throat, breaks up mucus and can help with throat-irritating acid reflux.
3. Antihistamines and pain relievers.
An antihistamine may dull or relieve the throat pain. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen also help with pain that is located a little deeper in the glands and other parts of the throat. Histamines are chemicals that help your immune system fight foreign substances.
4. Steam and humidity.
Take a hot shower. When it gets very steamy, breathe in the magic. Steam loosens mucus and can moisturize and soothe a sore throat.
5. Hot drinks.
Hot drinks can be very soothing. Heres why:
6. Rest.
And avoid things that can irritate your throat, including:
Sincerely,
Also Check: How To Stop Scratchy Throat
When To See A Doctor
While many sore throats go away on their own as quickly as they came, there are times when you should see a doctor. If you notice any of the following symptoms, call your doctor and make an appointment as it may be caused by something that requires specialized treatment like strep throat, tonsillitis, or a coronavirus like COVID-19:
- Prolonged or severe throat pain that is not improving
- Throat pain that extends into your ear
- Enlarged lymph nodes in your neck
- White spots or patches on the back of your throat
- Coughing up blood or bloody saliva
- Difficulty breathing, swallowing or opening your mouth
- Losing your voice for more than a week
Dont forget to wash your hands regularly, especially while youre experiencing symptoms that could be early cold symptoms, like a sore throat or runny nose, and get plenty of rest.
Apple Cider Vinegar Gargle
Due to its acidic nature, apple cider vinegar is the ideal solution to gargle with when you not only have a sore throat, but can also feel a large mucus buildup in the back of your throat. This is because the acidic properties of vinegar can break down this mucus, helping to stop bacteria from spreading while also soothing scratchy sensations in the back of your throat.
To gargle with apple cider vinegar, dilute one or two tablespoons of the liquid into a cup of warm water. This can be repeated several times during the day. However, its important to also drink a lot of water between gargling sessions to prevent dehydration. We would also recommend talking to your GP about this practice before giving it a try, as different individuals may have varying sensitivities to vinegar.
Recommended Reading: Whooshing Sound In Ear When Lying Down
Home Remedies For A Sore Throat
by admin | Jul 7, 2021 | Allergies
A sore throat is by far one of the most unpleasant parts of getting sick. Luckily, there are several home remedies you can try on your own.
Today, your experienced McAllen sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT will share six of the most effective home remedies for a sore throat, as well as those that do not work as advertised.
S Of Soothing A Sore Throat
posted: Feb. 11, 2021.
Sore throats are incredibly common. In fact, most of us will deal with at least one, if not more, during our lifetime. From scream-singing your way through a concert to catching a viral infection, there are many reasons why you may be dealing with a sore throat. While the problem is typically nothing serious, our ENT doctors know that you also want relief from that raw, scratchy throat. Here are some simple at-home methods for easing your sore throat.
Rinse and gargle with saltwater: Add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of sea or table salt to an 8-ounce glass of warm water. Gargle with this concoction for several seconds, multiple times a day . The salt can quickly reduce inflammation and swelling. You may also choose to replace salt with baking soda. Baking soda can kill bacteria, so it could be good if your sore throat is due to a bacterial infection such as strep.
Add honey to your tea: You may already be consuming cup-after-cup of tea, hoping that it alleviates your sore throat. While there are certain teas on the market that are designed to numb and soothe a sore, scratchy throat, you may also want to start adding manuka honey into your tea. Honey is full of antimicrobials, to help fight infection, and can also provide natural healing properties and suppress your cough. Have a cup of tea with honey before heading to bed and see if that helps soothe your throat so you can get some shuteye.
Common causes of acute sore throats include,
Recommended Reading: How To Open Blocked Nose Home Remedies
When To See A Healthcare Provider For A Sore Throat
Most cases of sore throats are treatable with home remedies and OTC products, but you may need to consult a medical professional if your symptoms dont go away or the condition worsens.
For example, it could be time to contact a healthcare provider if you have a sore throat that doesnt improve and pain spreads to the ear. Other symptoms such as high fever, difficulty breathing, coughing up blood, or having white patches in the back of the throat are additional reasons to seek medical attention.
A sore throat is also a mild symptom of coronavirus a virus that may require medical attention. Always consult a healthcare professional when seeking sore throat relief for pregnant women or young children.
Treating a sore throat with home remedies as soon as the symptoms begin could prevent the need to see a healthcare provider and significantly reduce the time length of the illness. A combination of home remedies and OTC products could be the solution to a sore throat, but dont hesitate to reach out for professional assistance to get the help you need.
Background Of Baking Soda And Honey
An honor French chemist Nicolas Leblanc produced sodium carbonate in 1791with an experiment commonly known as soda ash. In 1846, two American bakers, John Dwight and Austin Church manufactured the first factory in the United States to produce baking soda from sodium carbonate and carbon dioxide.
The old history represents one of honeys earliest pieces of evidence, harvested from a rock painting 8000 years ago. In Valencia, then Spain, it shows a honey seeker robbing a wild bee colony. The bees were subdued with smoke, and the tree or rocks opened, destroying the colony.
Read Also: How Long Do Ear Piercings Take To Heal
Lemon Juice And Apple Cider Vinegar Gargle
To help reduce bacteria and soothe the throat, gargle a mixture of equal parts of lemon juice and warm water. If you dont have any lemon juice, try one to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to one cup of heated water to make a gentle natural gargle solution.
RELATED: Does apple cider vinegar have health benefits?
How Does Apple Cider Vinegar Work To Cure Sore Throat
ACV is a liquid made crushed apples by a fermentation process. Apple cider vinegar is beneficial to cure sore throat for the following properties:
You May Like: Best Antibiotic For Throat Infection
How Baking Soda Works To Relieve Coughs
The effectiveness of baking soda against sore throat and cough is related to its antibacterial action. Therefore, baking soda acts in the throat against bacteria that are attached to it.
Thus, in cases where the cough is a symptom of a viral or bacterial pathology, bicarbonate will act. It could be a cold or the flu, for example.
If the cough is caused by irritating substances , baking soda can also act.
Because of the cleansing action of baking soda, the effect of these elements is stopped. They then leave the throat to be evacuated by the stomach and eliminated.
In addition, baking soda is an anti-inflammatory. Coughing is often painful for the throat, especially when it is prolonged. It can make swallowing difficult and cause sore throats.
Taking baking soda is an excellent way to relieve an irritated throat.
It should be noted that the efficiency of baking soda to treat coughs must be put into perspective.
And if a cough is persistent, we advise you to consult your doctor who will diagnose the real reasons for your cough which does not want to leave.
He will diagnose the real reasons for your cough which does not want to go away and will give you consequently adequate treatments.
Remember that the human body with its immune system will always need time to get rid of the different viruses that attack its respiratory system.
So we will always have a good week of illness whether it is the flu or rum.
Concerns About Hydrogen Peroxide Toxicity And Carcinogenic Properties
Despite being an effective treatment, there is some concern about safety in the long term. Using hydrogen peroxide only when absolutely necessary every once in a while may not have too much of a detrimental effect, but when used regularly or for long periods of time, hydrogen peroxide can be harmful.
It may be better to use a different sore throat remedy if you would feel more comfortable doing this. It certainly would be the safer option if you get a sore throat often. If you do get a sore throat regularly, speak to your doctor.
Don’t Miss: Basal Cell Carcinoma Of The Nose
When Are Oral Problems Serious
Mouth problems are more serious if they interfere with eating and drinking because they can lead to dehydration and/or malnutrition. Its important to call your doctor or nurse if you have pain in your mouth, lips, or throat that makes it difficult to eat, drink, or sleep or if you have a fever of 100.5 °F or higher.