A sore throat can be one of the most uncomfortable and debilitating conditions to deal with. It can make it challenging to swallow, speak or even breathe. While a sore throat can go away on its own, the accompanying symptoms can be tough to manage.
Therefore, to ease the pain and ensure that the condition does not worsen, it is essential to understand the dos and don’ts of sore throat treatment. In this article, we will discuss expert-approved methods of dealing with a sore throat effectively.
Dos of Sore Throat Treatment
1. Stay hydrated- One of the simplest methods of treating a sore throat is to stay hydrated. Water keeps the mucous membranes in the throat moist hence preventing dryness, which can exacerbate soreness. Drink water frequently and avoid beverages that can irritate the throat such as alcohol, coffee, and acidic drinks. For extra hydration, try drinking warm tea or broth.
2. Gargle with saltwater- As old-fashioned as it may seem, gargling with saltwater is an effective remedy for a sore throat. Saltwater works by reducing inflammation, clearing mucus and reducing pain. Add a teaspoon of salt into warm water and gargle for 30 seconds. Repeat several times a day as needed.
3. Use lozenges- Sucking on throat lozenges can help soothe a sore throat. Lozenges work by numbing the throat and stimulating saliva flow, which lubricates the throat. Look for lozenges that contain menthol, honey, or eucalyptus, as these ingredients can help reduce soreness.
4. Take pain relief medication- Over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, can help alleviate sore throat pain. These medications work by reducing inflammation and pain. However, they should be used with caution and under the guidance of a pharmacist or healthcare professional.
5. Rest your voice- Speaking and singing can cause strain on your vocal cords, which can worsen a sore throat. To give your voice a break, try limiting your talking and avoid singing altogether. Communication through alternative methods such as messaging or writing can help alleviate the strain on your voice.
Don’ts of Sore Throat Treatment
1. Avoid smoking and exposure to smoke- Smoking and exposure to smoke irritate the throat, worsening the condition. Smoking can also lead to long-term throat issues such as throat cancer. It is, therefore, vital to avoid smoking or being around people who smoke.
2. Don’t consume alcohol- Alcohol can dry out the throat and irritate the mucous membranes, making soreness worse. Avoid alcohol consumption when you have a sore throat or any other respiratory illness.
3. Don’t consume acidic foods- Acidic foods such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar can irritate the throat, making the symptoms worse. Avoid consuming these foods until the symptoms subside.
4. Do not use throat sprays or cough suppressants- While they might seem like a quick fix, throat sprays and cough suppressants can cause more harm than good. These medications can dry out the throat and aggravate pain, making the recovery process longer. Therefore, it is best to avoid their use altogether.
5. Don’t expose yourself to cold weather- Cold weather can irritate the throat and aggravate soreness. Therefore, it is essential to keep yourself warm and avoid going outside in cold weather without protecting your throat with a scarf or face mask.
In conclusion, a sore throat is a common condition that can be dealt with effectively when you know the dos and don’ts of treatment. To manage the discomfort and speed up the recovery process, it is essential to follow the above expert-recommended methods.
Above all, it is important to listen to your body and seek medical attention if the symptoms persist for more than a few days. Sore throats can be a sign of other conditions, and early diagnosis and treatment are vital in preserving your health.
