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 (but don’t swallow) 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.
This is a drink combo made with water, honey and lemon juice and served hot. Some people add spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg or ginger.
Hot drinks can be very soothing. Here’s why:
• Honey coats your throat and soothes it by reducing irritation. Honey also has antibacterial properties, and the sweetness can calm the throat’s nerve endings and reduce coughing.
• Spices stimulate saliva production, improving both hydration and mucus flow in your throat.
6. Rest.
Put your head on your pillow at a decent hour and close your eyes. Repeat as necessary. Don’t underestimate physically resting your body and voice. But beware: lying flat can sometimes cause swelling due to an increase in pressure at the back of the throat. Instead, try elevating the bed or sitting propped up or in a chair to alleviate the pain and discomfort.
…And avoid things that can irritate your throat, including:
• Dry air.
• Smoking.
• Acidic foods or spicy foods.
• Lying down immediately after you eat, especially if you have acid reflux.
Sincerely,
Medical Service UETM
Bibliography:
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/sore-throat-remedies-that-actually-work/
