29 April 2018
11 Sore Throat Remedies Guaranteed To Make You Feel Better Fast
By Markham Heid, ByThe Editors of Prevention
Salt water can calm inflammation by knocking down the kind of acidity that leads to throat irritation. It may also help draw infections or irritants to the surface of your throat, where your body is better able to deal with them. Dissolve ¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water, advises Mia Finkelston, MD, a Maryland-based family physician who also treats patients via LiveHealth Online. Gargle every hour or two.
Those first few swallows may not be pleasant. But just as icing a sprained ankle can dull the pain and prevent swelling, drinking icy liquids can both numb your throat and calm some of the inflammation that's causing you pain, Finkelston says.
Acid reflux is a common cause of a sore throat, Comer says. That means anything you do to stoke acid reflux could prolong or worsen a sore throat. For that reason, Comer recommends avoiding soda, fried foods, and citrus fruits like oranges and lemons. Also, skip food altogether for an hour before bed. Eating before you lie down can promote reflux, experts warn.
If you think reflux is to blame for your sore throat, taking antacids or other reflux meds could help knock out your pain at its source, Finkelston says. (Note that this should not be a long-term solution
Turmeric is the trendy supplement du jour, and one you should definitely be adding to your diet. While some of its benefits—including its potential to prevent cancer or brain diseases—require more study, its anti-inflammation powers are well-established and may help relieve your sore throat, Finkelston says. Add a few dashes to your tea or salt-water gargle.
Ibuprofen can ease swelling and irritation, so it can help put a stop to the coughing and throat-clearing that prevents your sore throat from healing, Finkelston says. Just be sure to take your ibuprofen with food, and follow the dosing instructions on the label.
A tired body = a tired immune system. If you're worn out, your body will struggle to heal itself. So get some rest. Time in bed or away from life's usual stressors can help recharge your immune system and relieve your sore throat, Finkelston says.
If your sore throat lasts more than 48 hours, you may have a bacterial infection like strep, Comer explains. If that's the case, you may need to take antibiotics or steroids to relieve your sore throat, he says. Call your doc and tell her what's up.
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