Sore Throat Treatment

Sore throats (pharyngitis) can be debilitating and uncomfortable, but fortunately, traditional home treatment mixed with a dose of modern technology can work wonders. Here are a few relief options that can help ease the discomfort of pharyngitis.

- Gargle with warm salt water to help ease inflammation and relieve pain.

-Gargle once each hour with a spoonful of salt dissolved in 9 oz of warm, clean water. This will aid in cleaning irritated areas on the skin.

-If you feel something dripping from your sinuses and nose, gargle more frequently to break up the mucus and prevent irritation.

-Make sure to stay hydrated by drinking enough fluids. Hot liquids, such as tea and soup will be beneficial.

-Use a vaporizer to increase humidity. This will make breathing easier and more comfortable.

-Warm mist may help you feel more comfortable by soothing the inflamed air passages. The mist may also relieve hoarseness. However, don’t let the room become uncomfortably cold or very damp because mold and mildew may set in.

-Avoid smoking, and even secondhand smoke because this will further damage the lining of the throat and the lungs and cause pain.

Consider using non prescription cough and cold medicines. Any preparation containing liquid acetaminophen (Tylenol) will be helpful in relieving swelling and pain.

Sucrets or other lozenges with menthol or lidocaine numbing agents will not decrease swelling, but can help with pain by blocking the sensation. A decongestant, such as Sudaphed or phenylephrine, will help relieve pain by unclogging the sinus passages.

Hopefully, these home remedies will do the trick and a trip to the doctor will not become necessary. However, if the pain persists for more than a few days or gets much worse, you should contact your general physician who will refer you to an Otolaryngologist specialist for relief if necessary.