Get rid of terrible sore throat at home easily
Pharyngitis, or a sore throat, often indicates an imminent upper respiratory tract infection. It can be preceded or followed by a cold, cough, or chest infection. The condition is contagious and spreads through droplets from coughing and sneezing. While most cases are caused by viruses, bacteria can also be responsible, which can be confirmed through microscopic examination of throat swabs.
Symptoms of sore throat
Symptoms can be local or systemic, like any other infection in the body. Fortunately, there are simple home remedies that can be followed to alleviate the discomfort associated with pharyngitis.
Here are some common remedies that can be practiced at home:
1. Warm saline gargle:
Gargling with a pinch of salt in lukewarm water three to four times a day helps increase blood flow to the throat, washing away the infection and reducing associated inflammation. It also loosens mucus, making it easier to expel.
To Know more << How to Gargle Saltwater and its potential risk >>
2.Warm liquids:
Consuming warm liquids like tea, lemon tea, ginger-lemon tea, soup, cinnamon tea, warm fruit juice with lemon drops, honey + juice + crushed ginger in warm water, etc. can be very helpful in soothing a sore throat.
3. Soft diet:
Steamed or microwaved apple mashed with honey can act as a throat soother and is easy to swallow without causing pain.
4. Steam inhalation and throat soothers:
Steam inhalation with a steamer or hot shower, cough lozenges, lotion or essential oil lozenges, and honey + lemon can help soothe the throat. Lotion can also provide temporary relief for a sore throat, as it increases secretion, preventing dryness.
5. Local heat:
Applying heat to the throat region or wrapping the neck with hot air-dried fabric/towel can provide relief to a sore throat.
6. Things to avoid:
Avoid smoking, cold drinks, oily and fried foods, and spicy food, as they can dry, irritate, and dehydrate the inflamed tissue, causing further damage to the infected throat.
If throat pain lasts for more than a couple of days and is accompanied by severe pain, fever, and body aches, seek medical attention.
