Last week, we discussed the potential causes of a sore throat. Knowing is half the battle, however, so let’s go over some ways you can treat or ease the pain in your throat at home and when you should see a doctor.
Hydration and Moisture
When your throat is sore for any reason, letting it dry out will make the discomfort worse. Keep your throat moist by drinking lots of water and other fluids. Suck on hard candy, ice or a popsicle to stimulate saliva production. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can dry out your throat.
Adding moisture to the air will also help prevent your throat from drying out. Use a humidifier or vaporizer, especially while sleeping, as that is when your throat dries out the most.
Rest
Rest is a good remedy for any ailment, and a sore throat is no exception. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Rest your voice as well: try to speak less and speak quieter until the discomfort passes.
Avoid Irritants
You may breathe in something that could irritate your sensitive throat. Avoid smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke and try to stay out of dusty environments or rooms with lots of pet dander. If the air quality outside is bad, consider staying indoors if possible. This is especially true if your sore throat is related to seasonal allergies, as exposure to more allergens will prolong the allergic reaction.
Gargle Saltwater
Gargling a mixture of ½ teaspoon of salt per one cup of warm water can ease inflammation and irritation in your throat.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Common over-the-counter (OTC) medicines can help ease throat pain. You can use mild pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), and acetaminophen is especially useful if you’re also experiencing a fever. If your sore throat is allergy-related, naproxen sodium (Aleve) can also help.
OTC cough drops and cough syrups are also available, and they’ll come in handy if you’re experiencing a cough with your sore throat. These stimulate the production of saliva, which will help hydrate the throat as discussed above, as well as release some soothing elements for pain relief.
When To Seek Medical Help
You should speak to your doctor if your sore throat lasts longer than a week. A sore throat lasting that long may be caused by a bacterial infection and require antibiotics. If symptoms worsen suddenly, that may mean the infection is getting worse. Some examples of worsening symptoms include:
- The pain gets worse or more intense
- Trouble breathing
- Trouble swallowing
- Developing a fever, especially if it’s over 101°
- A bulge in the back of your throat
Sore throats that come and go frequently and don’t appear to be tied to allergies may be due to recurrent tonsillitis. If that’s the case, speak to your doctor about a potential tonsillectomy.
Call ENT & Allergy Specialists – Ear Nose and Throat Physicians and Surgeons for more information.