欧博官网What Kills and Helps Fix a Sore Throat Fast? H
What is a sore throat?
Sore throat, or pharyngitis, refers to pain, tenderness, or discomfort in the throat. It is most commonly caused by mild viral infections such as the flu or common cold but can also be a result of other health conditions.
A sore throat typically appears with symptoms like cough, runny nose, dry/raspy sensation in the throat and mouth, and a hoarse voice. You may also experience difficulty and pain while swallowing foods or liquids.
Whether your sore throat is caused by a virus, acid reflux, or exposure to smoke, several home remedies can bring you quick relief. So, what kills a sore throat fast? Find out below.
Why does my throat hurt when I swallow?
There are many reasons your throat may hurt when you swallow. You could have a viral illness like a cold, mononucleosis, or viral pharyngitis. You may have strep pharyngitis due to Group A Strep (GAS) bacteria. Your throat may hurt if you have post-nasal drip from a sinus infection and you clear your throat a lot.
Other more serious potential causes of painful swallowing include a tonsil abscess and epiglottitis, which is a bacterial infection of the tissue that lies above the vocal cords.
Sore throat remedies
Here are home remedies that can soothe the pain and irritation caused by a sore throat:
Saltwater gargles
Herbal teas
Honey and lemon
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is strongly acidic and is known to have powerful antimicrobial properties. It breaks down the mucus deposited in your throat and prevents the infection from spreading.
Mix one to two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in a cup of hot water and gargle.
Do not drink the mixture as it may cause digestive problems.
Do not use this method if you have a known sensitivity to vinegar.
Chicken soup
Ginger root tea or ale
Popsicles or extra-cold drinks
Although the first few sips or bites can be painful, a popsicle or an icy liquid can help numb your throat and ease inflammation. It works exactly like an ice pack and that's what helps reduce the swelling in a sore throat. You could also suck on ice cubes or chips for the same effect.
Avoid dairy-based ice cream as it can increase mucus production and worsen a sore throat.
Humidifiers
Dry air is harsh on the lungs and irritates the sore throat. This can increase the pain or tenderness in the throat and extend recovery time. Use a clean humidifier to bring some moisture into your room. This makes the air easier to breathe and helps open up congested sinuses.
If your nose is severely stuffed, try inhaling steam from a safe distance or taking a steamy shower.
Lymph node massage
Throat lozenges or hard candy
Throat sprays
Throat sprays that contain topical anesthetics (e.g., benzocaine, phenol) can be used to help relieve sore throat pain.
Pain relievers
What else kills a sore throat fast at home?Other things you can do when you have a sore throat to avoid aggravating it include:
Having a sore throat can be miserable but these simple home remedies are effective against the pain and discomfort. Make sure you get enough rest and drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to speed up recovery. It is not generally necessary to see a doctor for a mild case of sore throat. Get in touch with your healthcare provider if you have swollen tonsils, difficulty breathing, or a fever over 101 degrees in addition to a sore throat.
What drink helps a sore throat?
In addition to herbal tea and ginger ale, other drinks may help a sore throat fast. Staying hydrated will keep your throat moist and help decrease pain. It also helps thin mucus. Aim to drink 8 cups of fluids per day.
How long do sore throats last?
How long a sore throat lasts depends on the underlying cause. If your sore throat is caused by a simple cold or the flu, it will last about a week to 10 days. If your sore throat is due to mononucleosis, or mono, it may last for 4 weeks or more.
What should you avoid when you have a sore throat?
It is important to know what to avoid when you have a sore throat besides knowing how to soothe a sore throat. If you have a sore throat, you should avoid all things that will cause further irritation.
Health News
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about what kills a sore throat fast
What is a sore throat a symptom of?Sore throat is most usually a symptom of the following:
A sore throat can also result from non-infectious things like acid reflux or swollen lymph glands. Sore throat symptoms can most often be treated with home remedies, although, some people may require medical attention. Infections such as mononucleosis and COVID-19 also cause sore throats and may need appropriate treatment.
How do I get rid of a sore throat quickly?You can get rid of a sore throat by following some of the home remedies suggested above, such as saltwater or diluted apple cider vinegar gargle, drinking plenty of warm fluids and water, and sucking on popsicles, lozenges, or hard candies. Use humidifiers to keep the air moist, and try massaging the lymph nodes on the sides of your neck, if they are swollen. Avoid smoking, and drinking or eating anything acidic or hot, or other things that can irritate the throat. Sleep well and rest until symptoms improve.
How to soothe a sore throatDrinking warm beverages such as herbal teas, honey and lemon juice mixed with warm water, chicken soup, and ginger tea can be soothing for a sore throat. Drinking ice-cold water, or sucking on popsicles or ice chips can relieve pain by numbing the throat. Sucking on cough drops can keep the saliva flowing, and prevent dryness and irritation. Many such lozenges also have soothing ingredients such as menthol and honey that relieve pain.
What kills a sore throat overnight?Sore throat generally does not go away overnight. Sore throats caused by the common cold or flu may last up to a week or 10 days, but more severe throat infections can last up to a month or longer. See your healthcare provider if you have severe throat pain, if your sore throat does not improve within a few days or worsen, or if your sore throat is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, difficulty swallowing, or blood in saliva or phlegm.
What medicine should you take for a sore throat?If sucking on cough drops and lozenges does not help, try OTC pain medications such as ibuprofen or throat sprays that contain lidocaine. See a doctor if you don't find adequate pain relief with home remedies and OTC medications. Do not self-medicate with antibiotics, it can give rise to resistant bacteria. Antibiotics should be taken only on prescription from a healthcare provider.
Medically Reviewed on 4/9/2024
References
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