2006-07-21 20:42:07 · 4 answers · asked by K 2 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
I hate to sound contradictory, but I am a veteran R.N. with about a decade of respiratory nursing under my belt...
That said, mucus can DEFINITELY cause a sore throat. Post nasal drip (mucus that drips down your throat from your nose or sinuses) is extremely irritating to the lining of your esophagus (throat). It's true that bacterial infections and viral infections can cause the production of mucus, but so can allergies.
To control the discomfort there are several things to try.
1. Gargling warm salt water will soothe irritated membranes. 1/2 teaspoon of salt in an 8 oz. glass of warm (not hot) water. Gargle it deeply and spit it out. Do this until the glass is empty--3-5 times per day.
2. Topical anesthetics like Sucrets or Chloraseptic spray can temporarily relieve the pain.
3. Drinking fluids (preferably warm) frequently will help soothe your throat. There is a homeopathic tea called Throat Coat available. It has slippery elm in it which is GREAT for soothing your throat.
4. If you have a constant drip of thin mucus in your throat, an antihistamine can thicken up the mucus and stop the drip.
Most sore throats only last a few days (depending on the cause). If you start running a high fever (>101), you have severe difficulty swallowing (due to internal swelling, not pain), or it lasts for more than a week, you should seek medical attention.
2006-07-21 21:28:33 · answer #1 · answered by rhubarb3142 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sore throats are caused by infection, physical damage or irritants. Your mucus cpuld cause pain because the throat is inflamed. It felt like that for me whenever I had tonsilitis. It is not the mucus that causes it. Go see a doctor!
2006-07-22 03:47:40 · answer #2 · answered by Loulabelle 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've had that problem before. I agree with the nurse person before me. Usually my problem is the crud gets all in my throat and then gets infected. I'd go see your doctor, he may give you a prescription or can at least give you some more ideas for remedies. Hot tea is the best way for me, and Halls Fruit Breezers can give you some relief but you have pretty much eat them constantly if you want the pain to stay away and then your throat will be better but you'll have a stomach ache.
2006-07-22 20:52:04 · answer #3 · answered by Big Al 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bacteria and/or virus cause sore throats.
The bugs cause inflammation and sensitise the throat tissue that they colonise and damage. Saliva irritates that damaged tissue.
Dan.
2006-07-22 03:49:29 · answer #4 · answered by Dan S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋