Do you have a sore throat that keeps you up all night? Is your throat painful, itching or irritated? Does this bug you so much that you have trouble concentrating? A sore throat can really be bothersome. And sometimes you just find yourself reaching for a sugary drink or a candy to try and ease it.
So what causes a sore throat?
There are many reasons why people experience a sore throat and some of the common culprits are:
First, viral infection. A sore throat can be the first sign of a cold or flu. But other viral infections can also be the cause; such as mononucleosis, measles, chickenpox or croup.
Second, a bacterial infection. Some types of bacterial infection are strep throat, diphtheria, and whooping cough.
Third, environmental irritants. Allergens such as molds, pet dander, pollen and chemicals that are inhaled can also cause a sore throat.
Fourth, other causes. Dry air, smoking cigarettes or second-hand smoking, yelling or too much talking. These are some of the other causes of a sore throat. And sometimes GERD can also cause a sore throat.
What are the common symptoms of a sore throat?
According to mayoclinic.org, the following are the common signs that you may be suffering from a sore throat:
- Pain or a scratchy sensation in the throat
- Pain that worsens with swallowing or talking
- Difficulty swallowing
- Dry throat
- Sore, swollen glands in your neck or jaw
- Swollen, red tonsils
- White patches or pus on your tonsils
- Coarse or muffled voice
Now, here are 7 ways to soothe a sore throat that is effective and easy to follow
- Minimise inflammations
You can either opt to take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or you can go for sore throat home remedies.
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Apple Cider Vinegar Drink
Simply mix 1 tablespoon of Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar 946ml and 1 tablespoon of honey in 1 cup of very warm water. Enjoy drinking while it’s still warm for a boost of soothing relief.
Or try mixing 2 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar with ½ cup of warm water and gargle once a day.
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Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar 946m
- Gargle with a proven antiseptic
Gargling with either a commercially prepared antiseptic or an old-school, time-tested remedy of salt and water solution. Either of this can help reduce swelling and help flush out the irritants.
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Betadine Ready to Use Sore Throat Gargle 120ml
Specially formulated to help kill most bacteria and viruses that cause a sore throat within 30 seconds.
- Suck on lozenges to help relieve pain
By sucking on lozenges, you stimulate saliva production. Thus, helping to keep your throat moist. Lozenges can also have antibacterial, numbing, and soothing properties, or a combination of all of these.
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Difflam Anaesthetic Sugar-Free Blackcurrant 16 Lozenges
A 3-in-1 lozenge with anesthetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial action. Difflam helps soothe and ease a sore throGluten-freefree, sugar-free and suitable for diabetics.
Comvita Winter Wellness Manuka Honey with Propolis 40 Lozenges
Combines the soothing effect of UMF 10+ manuka honey with the power of propolis.
Blis K 12 Throat Guard Peppermint Lozenges 30s
Contains Streptococcus Salivarius K12, which is a beneficial bacteria. These lozenges assist your throat’s natural defenses.
- Throat spray – an easy to use and effective sore throat remedy
Over the counter throat sprays, offer the same soothing, cooling and antibacterial effects similar to lozenges.
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Difflam Forte Throat Spray 15ml
Fast relief for painful throat and mouth conditions. And this includes a sore throat, tonsillitis, mouth ulcers, pain post mouth, throat surgery or periodontal procedures. It likewise offers relief for redness, swelling and inflammatory conditions, radiation mucositis.
Kiwiherb Herbal Throat Spray 30ml
- Drink cough syrup even if you are not yet coughing
Cough syrups help ease sore and painful throat. Choose for a non-drowsy formula if you are heading off to work. And a night time formula if you are having trouble sleeping due to your sore throat.
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Benadryl Dry Tickly Cough 200ml
Effectively provides temporary relief from a dry, raspy cough. And it also acts as a suppressant cough mixture that helps reduce the frequency and severity of coughs.
- Load up on fluids to stay hydrated
Take lots of fluids until your urine is light yellow or clear. This will help your mucous membranes remain moist to better combat bacteria and irritants.
- Rest
None of these sore throat treatments or sore throat home remedies will help if you do not allow yourself to rest and recover from your illness. Make sure to slow down with your activities. And sleep at least 8 hours a day until you have fully recovered. Thus, it will allow your immune system to work to the best of its ability to support your healing process.
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