A sore throat is a dry, painful, and scratchy sensation in the throat. There are three types of sore throats based on the affected part. Tonsillitis is the redness and inflammation of the tonsils, while pharyngitis is the soreness or tenderness of the throat.
Another one is laryngitis, which is the redness and swelling of the larynx or the voice box. It’s often caused by viral or bacterial infection, although other environmental factors like smoke and dry air could also be the culprit. Besides the scratchy, tender, and burning sensation in the throat, other symptoms that may accompany them are the following:
- Swallowing difficulty
- Fever
- Nasal congestion
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Muscle aches
- Difficulty talking
Although painful and uncomfortable, it usually goes away on its own. However, if it doesn’t go away after a week, it gets severe, and you cannot eat, or have trouble breathing, visit your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. However, if it’s not that serious, there are home remedies that you can try to help you feel better.
Take warm drinks and soups:
Warm liquid has a soothing feeling in the throat. So, warm soups and teas are perfect for relieving sore throat. Try adding turmeric latte to your meals. It has properties that potentially relieve inflammation. It’s also believed to fight against colds and flu, which may accompany sore throat.
Moreover, it could possibly improve or strengthen the immune system. Drinking warm water with honey is another option. Honey can fight bacteria and viruses, so it can help fight infection, whichever of the two may cause it.
Buy over-the-counter medication.
You can buy and take over-the-counter medicines to relieve the pain in your throat, like ibuprofen and acetaminophen. In addition, you can apply sprays on your throat to numb the pain or soothe the tenderness.
Gargle with salt and water:
Salt is known for its antibacterial property. Mix water and salt in a glass and use it for gargling. It helps kill bacteria that may cause sore throat. Moreover, it helps relieve the pain while loosening the mucus in the throat, making it easier to expel.
Avoid shouting and excessive talking:
Shouting and excessive talking may cause your throat to become tender. Even if it is not the main cause of your sore throat, talking more could add pressure to it, thus worsening the situation. So, avoid talking as much as possible. Instead, find other ways to communicate without taxing your throat, like typing or writing what you want to say.
Suck on lozenges:
Sore throat lozenges are available over the counter, so you can easily get them. They contain ingredients like menthol that can help soothe a painful throat. Sucking on one can also produce saliva that wets a dry throat.
A sore throat can be painful and may come with other symptoms that prevent you from going about your day normally. Avoid getting this by keeping your hands clean and avoiding close contact with those who have sore throats and respiratory infections.
