if you've had your sore throat for more than seven days, chances are you have Strep throat, tonsillitis, or some other bacterial infection that will require antibiotics. Another cause of your sore throat might be allergies, or your excessive smoking. The solutions to those two problems are obvious: take allergy medication or quit smoking. If, however, you just want to know how to get rid of a sore throat, we have some solutions.
See a doctor if your sore throat lasts longer than 5 days. If you can't identify an allergen that could be causing your sore throat, then it's time to see a doctor. Usually, sore throats that last 5 days or longer are caused by a bacterial infection like Strep throat or tonsillitis. If one of these bacterium (or another) are found in a throat culture, then your doctor will most often prescribe penicillin, or another antibiotic if you're allergic to that.
Drinking a lot of fluids will help you get rid of a sore throat. Sore throats are most often caused by post-nasal drip (doctor lingo for “snot sliding down your throat”) which is the result of a cold or the flu. Drinking fluids when you have a sore throat does two things: first, it helps to hydrate your body, and second, it helps keep post-nasal drip from building up and keeps the irritated linings of your throat coated with moisture. Mild and soothing drinks like warm tea are recommended.
Installing a humidifier in your room will help you get rid of a sore throat. The snot running down your throat (post-nasal drip) when you are sick isn't good for your sore throat. It tends to irritate your throat, leaving it raw and feeling quite dry. A humidifier in your room will help add moisture to the air, and moist air is less irritating to a sore throat. Steam vaporizers are recommended if you want to add a medicated inhalant to the water.
Gargling warm salt water can help relieve a sore throat. The swelling and subsequent in your throat, called edema, is caused by a greater water concentration in the cells lining your throat. A light mixture (1 teaspoon of salt per glass) of salt and water gargled for thirty seconds, several times a day will help draw some of that extra water out and reduce the swelling that accompanies a sore throat. Be careful; too much salt will harm your already beleaguered mucus glands.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Excedrin) is the only pain medication you should be taking if you have a sore throat. Because sore throats often accompany the flu, it's important that you do not take Aspirin to relieve the pain—just in case. Taking aspirin when you have the flu can cause Reyes syndrome in children (excessive pressure in the brain), and that, my friends, is a very bad thing. Stick to the Tylenol Cold & Flu.
Humidifiers and Sore Throats
A humidifier can be a great way to help ease the pain of a sore throat, but there are some things to think about when picking out a humidifier. Steam vaporizers are great because the chances of bacteria and minerals accumulating and being dispersed by them are low. The downsides to a steam vaporizer are that children can get burned if they get curious about the machinations of the humidifier and the energy required to run a steam vaporizer is higher than other humidifiers. Ultrasonic humidifiers are good because they don't use as much energy, but the chances of bacteria and minerals (referred to as “white dust”) being dispersed are higher. Evaporative humidifiers suffer from the same problems as ultrasonic humidifiers, so it's important to make sure you clean your humidifier often and change the filters as instructed.
Coffee, believe it or not, is good for your sore throat, but only if you have a common cold. Don't make it too strong, that's just gross. Studies done suggest that coffee has two great benefits: tons of antioxidants and throat soothing qualities. Plus, it'll keep you on your feet if you have to go to work. Don't drink a lot of coffee if you have the flu. Coffee is considered by some to be a diuretic, and will dehydrate your body.
Eucalyptus Oil is a natural anti-microbial agent, and is great for aroma therapy, it might be a good idea to buy some Eucalyptus Oil and put a few dabs in your humidifier. The anti-microbial properties of the oil will make sure molds and mildew don't build up in and around the humidifier, while the eucalyptus does what Vick's Vapo-rub is famous for—soothing sore throats and chest colds.
2006-12-03 05:47:40
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answer #1
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answered by Stephanie F 7
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I hope the concert went well. (Can't believe you waited until just 2 hours before the big event to look for remedies.)
For next time: Brew a tea of sage leaves. Add a dash of vinegar and gargle. Stops the pain and helps kill germs. Lasts only about an hour and you have to do it again.
Go to your natural foods store and look for Singer's Saving Grace, a throat spray by Herbs, Etc. out of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Great for singers and speakers to have on hand. It soothes and seems to relax the vocal cords, giving one a wider range of notes.
2006-12-03 08:41:50
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answer #2
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answered by Janet S 6
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Try gargling salt and warm water...just a little salt. This rids your throat of bacteria. If you have already tried that then drink a glass of lemonade...(don't add a whole lot of sugar..this can cause mucus to form)...otherwise...just rest your throat until the concert. Last resort would be a lozenge with and antiseptic formula...you can get these at the drug store.
2006-12-03 05:48:10
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answer #3
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answered by Medic/BN 2
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right that's one which will be perfect for you, amazingly quick, too. My pal Katy informed me to sip the tiniest quantity(about a teaspoon) of established mouthwash and swallow it. The small quantity gained't damage your tummy and what it does is immediately kill each and every of the bacteria on your throat lining. All ther way down, too. Is that straight forward and outstanding, or what? you probable are British? properly, cheers! surely no longer something works fairly besides as an really large mug of very warm English Breakfast tea to nail that negative feeling you defined. i'd use some honey in it and placed my ft up and toss a mild blanket over my lap and really get into getting properly again. Tea does it each and every time because it relaxes you want having reliable father and mother. perfect to you mostly, - C.
2016-11-30 02:15:46
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answer #4
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answered by ? 4
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For temporary relief of your sore throat try Slippery Elm lozenges. You can get them at the health food store.
On the box I have, it says singers have been using them for years, since the 1800s to soothe the throat and reduce swelling of the vocal cords and related muscles and membranes.
http://justgottasing.com/thayerslozenges.html
2006-12-03 06:53:50
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answer #5
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answered by Anonymous
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cloreseptic spray numbs it and so do the drops. Unfortunately they numb the toung and everything else also. Gargle with warm salt water, drink honey and lemon and suck on a ricola cough drop when the concert is over think about seeing a DR
2006-12-03 05:50:10
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answer #6
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answered by 'lil peanut 6
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