What to do if your throat hurts: tips that will definitely help

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Do not miss the symptoms in which you urgently need to see a doctor!

A sore throat is one of those troubles that everyone faces from time to time. However, the fact that you are already familiar does not mean at all that this discomfort can and should just be endured.

Sometimes pain can indicate a serious health threat. Don't miss this moment.

When to run to the doctor

See your doctor or otolaryngologist as soon as possible if you experience any of the following symptoms of Sore throat along with painful sensations in the throat:

• Labored breathing.
• Difficulty opening your mouth.
• The combined nature of the pain: in addition to the throat, the ears, eyes, tongue and so on hurt.
• Blood in the saliva.
• A lump in the throat that makes it difficult to swallow.
• Rash in the mouth or on the skin (where exactly is not so important).
• Heat.

Hoarseness should also be a cause for concern if it does not go away for more than two weeks.

Are there no similar symptoms? Well, you can exhale and calmly engage in self-diagnosis while waiting for a visit to the doctor: it is desirable in any case. Well, to make self-diagnosis more comfortable, we will figure out how to alleviate the condition with improvised means.

What to do right now if your throat hurts

1. Gargle with salt water

Granny's advice sometimes works, and this is the case. A 2016 study found that saline reduces microbial activity, reduces inflammation, and accelerates wound healing, all of which result in pain relief. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and rinse once an hour until the unpleasant symptoms go away.

Soda-salt solution is just as effective: ¹⁄₄ teaspoon of baking soda and ⅛ teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, rinse in the same mode. Just do not swallow this "cocktail": in some cases, soda can cause stomach problems.

2. Drink chicken broth

Moisturizing is one of the most effective ways to quickly soothe irritated mucous membranes. So don't let your throat dry out.

Chicken broth copes with this task best of all: it has not only moisturizing, but also a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. And heat can reduce discomfort if it is caused by colds.

3. … and warm tea

If there is no broth at hand, warm (not hot!) Tea will do as well: it is delicious, which means you will enjoy it and be able to drink more.

Adding honey is a good idea. Honey has an anti-inflammatory and softening effect on the pharynx, including helping to eliminate tickling and coughing.

Chamomile tea has also proven itself excellent. It moisturizes, reduces inflammation and swelling, and also has antioxidant properties, that is, it accelerates tissue repair. Any other herbal teas will also ease throat discomfort if it is caused by a cold.

4. Monitor the humidity in the room

Dry air is an extra irritant for the nasopharynx, which is going through hard times. The optimum level of humidity in the apartment is 40-60%. And it's easy to achieve.

5. Try to eat something cold

For example, ice cream. Or drink a little cold milk. Cold causes the vessels to narrow, thereby reducing swelling, slowing down the development of the inflammatory process and reducing pain.

6. Suck on lollipop or caramel

They will enhance salivation, which means that the mucous membrane will be moistened. You can use special pharmaceutical pain lozenges: they contain additives that soften the throat or distract from discomfort.

7. Use pharmacy sprays and tablets

Many drugs are designed specifically to relieve the discomfort that occurs with a cold. So, sprays and tablets for resorption often contain local anesthetics that reduce pain: benzocaine, tetracaine, lidocaine … The use of such drugs is indicated, for example, with angina, when the sore throat is severe and sharp.

It is important to remember that these drugs have contraindications, so it is better to choose them after consulting a doctor.

Why the throat hurts: reasons why you should still see a doctor

Most often, sore throat is caused by viral diseases. This is how ARVI, flu, tonsillitis and more manifest themselves. However, the reason may be different, for example bacterial. Often, soreness of the larynx is a symptom of infection with group A streptococci: they are very contagious and, if inadequately treated, can lead to a number of complications: from middle ear infections to kidney inflammation and toxic shock syndrome.

Also, a sore throat can be caused by other, often non-obvious reasons:

• Allergies (to pollen, dust, mold, pet dander).
• A specific reaction to excessively dry indoor air.
• A variety of irritants, from tobacco smoke to chemicals found in detergents, wall paint, furniture, and more.
• Experienced muscle tension. For example, suppose you yelled properly while rooting for your favorite football team.
• Digestive system disorders. Let's say gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), in which stomach contents, including acids, enter the esophagus and pharynx.
• HIV infection.
• A developing tumor.

Given the abundance of possible reasons, it is still better to entrust the diagnosis to a therapist. He will be able to correctly decipher what exactly is causing the sore throat, if necessary, he will prescribe additional studies and recommend treatment that will help you.