Drink Plenty Of Fluids
Stay hydrated! When you are sick with a sore throat, staying hydrated can help ease congestion, thin mucus secretions, and keep the throat moist.
- Moreover, if your sore throat is accompanied by a fever, you may become dehydrated so you need to replenish lost fluids.
- Cold ice water can help soothe the throat, as can hot beverages.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeinateddrinks such as coffee or colas, because they can dehydrate you.
Prescription Medication For Sore Throats
Antibiotics are needed if a bacterial infection causes a sore throat. If you are experiencing a fever, swollen lymph nodes, and the throat is extremely red and has white sores or puss, your healthcare provider may prescribe medication such as penicillin or amoxicillin to treat it.
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Home Remedies For Young Children
Depending on the age of your child, they may be too small to have lozenges or hard candies. Furthermore, they may not be ready for some of the more well-known adult remedies we listed above that can soothe their throat. If thats the case, try one of these:
Many articles and blogs online claim that taking colloidal silver can be a remedy for sore throats. GoHealth Urgent Care and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health have seen no quality studies on the health effects of taking colloidal silver and have only noted how dangerous it is to your health and well-being.
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Treatment For Strep Throat
Strep throat is different from a common sore throat and must be treated with antibiotics. This can be given in three ways capsules, liquid, or as an injection from a nurse or doctor. If you child has the capsules or liquid, they are usually given for 10 days. It is important that your child takes all the antibiotics for the full 10 days, even if they feel better, to stop the strep throat from turning into rheumatic fever.
The one-off antibiotic injection to treat a strep throat might be a good alternative for your child if you think they may find it hard to take the full 10 day course of capsules or liquid.
How antibiotics get rid of a strep throat infection
If Somebody I Know Has A Sore Throat How Can I Reduce My Risk Of Getting It
The best way to prevent infection is to wash your hands often and always before eating or after being in contact with an infected person. Do not share utensils, linen, or personal items. Eat plenty of vegetables, drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day, and limit the amount of sugar you eat and alcohol you drink. Exercise, don’t smoke, and don’t yell!
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Quick And Natural Remedies
In order for you to quickly sooth a dry and scratchy throat, it is better for you to drink even just a cup of tea chamomile and green tea are two of the best choices. A cup of hot tea can help you resolve your scratchy throat issues. If you have a cough, just add a little amount of honey to efficiently soothe your dry throat.
You may also gargle salt water to help relieve a dry throat especially when it is caused by bacteria. Just boil three cups of water and then add four tablespoon of salt. By gargling with salt water, it can effectively reduce your throat infection. Repeat this three times per day for great results. This is one of the most effective and useful home remedies for scratchy throat for both adults and children.
Pepper and honey are also some of the best home remedies to relieve scratchy throat. In a bowl, you need to take a tablespoon of honey and then sprinkle a little amount of black pepper on it. When taking this mixture, you will see the difference in your condition. Just follow this home remedy each day before retiring to bed until you get better.
How Do I Know If My Sore Throat Is Caused By Bacteria
You don’t unless a doctor has taken a throat swab and sent it away to the lab for culture. But there are a few clues to look for that can help you decide if your sore throat is more likely to be caused by a virus or a less serious cause such as an allergy or an irritant, or more likely to be caused by bacteria.
Viral sore throats are generally accompanied by cold symptoms, such as a runny nose, watery eyes, or a cough. Symptoms such as sneezing, red eyes, or an itchy roof of the mouth usually accompany sore throats caused by an allergy. Sore throats caused by pollutants generally get better once the cause has been eliminated whether it be smoking or bad air.
Bacterial sore throats tend to come on quickly and are more likely to affect children aged between five and fifteen rather than adults. A type of bacteria called Streptococcus pyrogenes is the most common cause of bacterial sore throats. People living in overcrowded environments such as boarding schools, military camps, or in damp homes are more at risk and the condition is more prevalent between November and April. Strep throat is very contagious and can be passed on from person to person by coughing, sneezing and close contact. Very rarely, the bacteria may be passed on through food. If somebody in your household has a Strep throat, there is a one in four chance you may also get it within two to seven days.
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Should You Consult A Doctor For A Burning Or Scratchy Throat
We love these natural remedies for itchy throat because they dont usually cause side effects. Also because theyre simple and easy to make at the comfort of your home and without spending a fortune.
However, keep in mind that you should consult your doctor in any of the following situations:
- The discomfort doesnt go away in a few days or even a week
- The pain or itching doesnt improve, and worsens
- Also, if theres severe pain when swallowing
- Theres a high fever
- Finally, theres nausea, vomiting, or other gastric discomforts
A doctor must determine the best treatment to follow, and also tell you whether or not you can use these natural remedies for a scratchy throat.
Written and verified bythe doctor.
26 September, 2022
Itchy Throat Remedies And Treatments
The goal of treating an itchy throat is to reduce discomfort, irritation, and painful feelings in the affected area until the condition heals. Remedies for itchy and sore throats focus on decreasing inflammation and irritation of the throat, as well as secondary symptoms like coughing.
Cough Drops, Lozenges, and Hard Candy
Many people use cough drops to help relieve throat itchiness or soreness. However, cough drops containing menthol may make your throat itchier in the long run. One study found that regularly consuming too many mentholated cough drops can make coughing more frequent.
Consider taking sweet hard candies to lengthen the time between cough drop or lozenge doses. This will allow you to benefit from oral menthol use without going overboard. Sweet candies can also help ease and itchy throat because it increases saliva production, which hydrates the affected area. A study also shows that a sweet taste can help suppress coughing.
While hot tea with honey is often used as a cough suppressant and a way to relieve a sore throat, plain honey can be effective, as well. Two teaspoons of honey may be as effective as certain types of cough medicines at relieving throat irritation and coughing. However, honey can occasionally lead to botulism â a type of illness caused by food poisoning â in children under the age of one year, so never give it to babies.
Humidifiers
Ice Chips, Popsicles, and Cold Drinks
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Causes Of A Scratchy Throat
There are different possible causes for a scratchy throat, including:
- Frequent coughing
Now that you know what might be the causes of your discomfort, you can try to relieve the symptoms with the following simple natural remedies against itchy throat.
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Keep Your Body Hydrated
Keeping your body hydrated is crucial when you want to get rid of a scratchy throat. In fact, keeping your throat hydrated is the main goal of most scratchy throat remedies.Dehydration makes your body produce less mucous and saliva than is sufficient to sustain ample natural lubrication to your throat. This worsens the swelling and irritation. Having a sore throat should prompt you to taking more fluids in order to relieve the prickle. Getting dehydrated causes an already painful situation to be more problematic. Water is great, and so is a warm soup and warm tea.
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Allergens And Their Effects
Postnasal drip is the main culprit in cases of allergy-induced sore throat.
Its the result of exposure to an allergen and occurs when congestion in the nose and sinuses drains down to the throat. This causes tickling or scratchy pain.
The drainage also can cause:
If you have a sore throat with fever and body aches, its likely the result of a viral infection, such as the cold or flu.
Scratchiness is another way to determine if you have an allergy-induced sore throat.
In addition to the raw feeling that results from postnasal drainage, particles that directly enter the respiratory system can cause an itchy or scratchy feeling.
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Ways To Treat A Scratchy Throat
You have probably suffered from a scratchy throat at one point in your life. A scratchy throat can leave you feeling uncomfortable and irritated. Its a highly uncomfortable feeling as whatever you eat or drink hurts and makes you feel physically sick.
But you dont just have to suffer there are plenty of things that you can do that will help make your throat feel better. So if you want to find out how to cure a scratchy throat, reduce the pain, and get some relief, read on because we will give you six different ways to try that will help you.
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How Do You Get Rid Of A Scratchy Throat
Rest. Get plenty of sleep. Drink fluids. Fluids keep the throat moist and prevent dehydration. Try comforting foods and beverage. Gargle with saltwater. Humidify the air. Consider lozenges or hard candy. Avoid irritants. Stay at home until youre no longer sick.
Is It More Than A Sore Throat?
Remedies To Speed Up The Relief An Irritated Throat
Written by
30 May, 2022
The sensation of having an irritated throat is uncomfortable and can make common actions such as eating difficult. Although its usually a mild and sporadic symptom, taking immediate attention is decisive to prevent complications. So, how can you relieve a sore throat with natural remedies?
The properties of some ingredients help soften the tissues in this area to reduce burning and itching. In fact, some have antibacterial and antiviral properties that help treat their triggers more directly.
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Why Does A Throat Become Irritated
In the majority of cases, allergens or the flu and colds are the main causes of a scratchy throat. According to this Mayo Clinic report, constant exposure to allergens or pathogens triggers an immune response that makes you perceive this discomfort accompanied by burning and discomfort.
The most common triggers include:
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How To Get Rid Of A Sore Throat: At Home Remedies & Medication
There are several natural home remedies that can help you ease the pain of a sore throat.
In this article, Ill talk about what a sore throat is, and some common causes.
Ill outline some home remedies and medications that can help ease symptoms, as well as strategies that can help you avoid and/or minimize future sore throats.
Finally, Ill help you know when you should talk to a doctor about your symptoms.
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What Is A Scratchy Throat
A scratchy throat is one condition that could be irritating or annoying to the sufferer in the sense that it may not progress into a full blown sore throat but still continues to be a burden to the sufferer. It is a common way to describe an itchy, irritated or an inflamed throat. Scratchy throat has been experienced by a lot of people many time in their lifetime and like mentioned earlier, it could just be a mild irritation that may not warrant seeing a doctor while at other times, it could progress fully into a full blown sore throat. If it remains at a mild level, it can last for just a few days except it becomes a sore throat which will take longer to heal. However, whatever the situation, it is important to note that a scratchy throat is a problem which can irritate and affect the so many things in your life like sleeping, eating and talking peacefully.
Picture 1: Woman with a scratchy throat
How Do You Cure A Sore Throat
Most sore throats have to run their course, so sore throat medicine can only temporarily relieve the symptoms, until the cause is eliminated.
So what helps a sore throat? Sore throat treatments may contain either pain relievers, anesthetic agents, antibacterials, natural ingredients with soothing properties or to boost the immune system, or a combination of these agents.
Honey is a very effective sore throat treatment as it is naturally antibacterial and can draw water out of inflamed tissue, reducing swelling and discomfort.
A salt water gargle is also naturally antiviral and antibacterial and good at relieving fluid build up in tissue.
The inner bark of the slippery elm tree swells on contact with water and forms a gooey substance that soothes sore throats. Licorice root has anti-inflammatory properties and forms a protective film over the tissues of the throat. Other natural remedies that can soothe a sore throat include honeysuckle, echinacea, and zinc.
Anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen , help temporarily reduce inflammation and relieve pain although are not suitable for everybody.
Acetaminophen is a good alternative, although it has only pain-relieving, not anti-inflammatory, properties.
Antibiotics from a doctor are needed to treat a bacterial sore throat. See a full list of antibiotics used to treat strep throat.
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When Pain Relief Is Not Enough
As mentioned earlier, common sore throats tend to go away on their own. If you experience any of these symptoms of strep throat, however, you may need a prescription for an antibiotic. If none of these at-home remedies are helping after 48 hours, you can save your spot online at a GoHealth Urgent Care center near you!
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When To See A Doctor
Not every itchy or sore throat will go away on its own. On occasion, your itchy throat may be the first sign of something more serious, such as strep throat.
Look in your mouth with a mirror and a bright light if you have a persistent itchy throat. Should you see white patches or a throat that looks red and swollen, you may have strep throat. Because strep throat is a serious bacterial infection, it will get worse without antibiotics. Talk to your doctor immediately so they can test you for strep throat and give you a prescription for antibiotics, if necessary.
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What Causes An Itchy Throat
Allergies are one of the most common causes of an itchy throat. An allergic reaction occurs when a substance called an allergen triggers an immune system response in your body. Examples of common allergy triggers that can cause an itchy throat include:
- foods, such as peanut butter, dairy, or strawberries
- pollen, found in trees, grass, or ragweed
Allergies can range from mild to severe. An itchy throat can indicate a milder, yet uncomfortable, allergic reaction.
Inhaling pollutants can also lead to an itchy throat. These might include:
- tobacco smoke or vapor
Infections, such as the common cold or strep throat, can start as an itchy throat before progressing to soreness and pain.
An itchy throat may feel:
An itchy throat feels uncomfortable, and it can feel as if you need to clear your throat frequently.
Its important to distinguish between the symptoms of an itchy throat and similar symptoms that may indicate other conditions. For example, an itchy throat doesnt feel rough or raw, or make you feel as if you cant breathe.
Natural Sore Throat Remedies For Fast Relief
A sore throat can come on at any time, and its caused by a number of reasons. Some sore throats can be due to a bacterial infection, or strep throat, and some are viral infections. Either way, sore throats are very contagious, and its important to address the issue as soon as symptoms develop. Thankfully, there are natural sore throat remedies that you can use at home and dont require an antibiotic prescription to deal with sore throat problems.
Sore throat remedies such as raw honey, vitamin C and licorice root will help to ease your discomfort and speed up healing. There are also powerful essential oils for sore throat that can be used internally and topically to slow the growth of bacteria, ease swelling and reduce congestion.
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