A Sore throat is a condition marked by pain in the throat, typically caused by inflammation due to a cold or other virus. There are more than 1.5 million cases per year in Nigeria.
A sore throat caused by a viral infection usually lasts five to seven days and doesn’t require medical treatment. However, to ease pain and fever, many people turn to acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or other mild pain relievers. Use acetaminophen for the shortest time possible and follow label directions to avoid side effects.
Consider having over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications. These include acetaminophen (Tylenol, or ibuprofen Pediatric Advil, Motrin Infant, others) to ease symptoms.
However, use caution when giving aspirin to children or teenagers. Children and teenagers recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should never take aspirin. This is because aspirin has been linked to Reye’s syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition, in such children. If your sore throat is caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. You must take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed even if the symptoms are gone. Failure to take all of the medication as directed can result in the infection worsening or spreading to other parts of the body. Not completing the full course of antibiotics to treat strep throat can increase a child’s risk of rheumatic fever or serious kidney inflammation. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to do if you forget a dose.
HERE ARE OUR TOP 4 HOME REMEDIES FOR SORE THROATS
Regardless of the cause of your sore throat, these at-home care strategies can help you ease your symptoms:
1. Rest. And rest your voice.
2. Drink fluids and try comforting foods. Fluids keep the throat moist and prevent dehydration. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you. Warm liquids — broth, caffeine-free tea or warm water with honey — and cold treats such as ice pops can soothe a sore throat.
3. Gargle with saltwater. A saltwater gargle of 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of table salt to 4 to 8 ounces of warm water can help soothe a sore throat. Gargle the solution and then spit it out.
4. Humidify the air and avoid irritants. Use a cool-air humidifier to eliminate dry air that may further irritate a sore throat or sit for several minutes in a steamy bathroom. Also keep your home free from cigarette smoke and cleaning products that can irritate the throat.
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