Buzz
A sore throat typically isn’t a sign of a severe illness, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy to treat. The most effective way to avoid the dry, scratchy discomfort in your throat is by consistently drinking a certain type of liquid. Water is the top choice, but other options like cayenne pepper tea with honey, garlic soup, or chamomile tea can be helpful too, as they contain ingredients that relieve pain and help soothe the irritation in your throat quickly. Throat sprays and various lozenges work effectively to alleviate pain, and steam inhalation is also a great way to ease throat discomfort, helping you relax for a better sleep. If you’re ready to try any of these methods to relieve your sore throat, continue reading this article.
Steps
First, apply the Gargle, Chest/Throat Massage, and Throat Spray method
Gargle with warm salt water. This is one of the most classic and effective remedies for a sore throat. When your throat is inflamed, the mucus membranes swell and become irritated, causing pain and itching. Salt helps to draw excess moisture from the membranes, reducing swelling and providing relief. To make a saltwater gargle, mix ½ teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water.
- Don’t just limit the gargle to your mouth, tilt your head back to allow the saltwater to reach your throat. Gargle with saltwater for about 30 seconds before spitting it out.
- You can gargle with saltwater up to three times a day. However, gargling too frequently can cause the mucus membranes to dry out excessively, which could make the inflammation worse.
Use mouthwash containing hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is a mild antibacterial compound. You can find it in most pharmacies. To make mouthwash, follow the instructions on the label. Typically, mix one cap of hydrogen peroxide with a cup of water, then swish it in your mouth, allowing the solution to flow down your throat before spitting it out after one minute.
- Use a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. The concentration is clearly stated on the label, so be sure to read it carefully before purchasing and using.
- The hydrogen peroxide solution has a slightly bitter taste. You can add a little honey to the mouthwash if you prefer.
Use ointment. This type of ointment contains ingredients like peppermint oil or menthol that help clear the nasal passages. These ingredients soothe the throat and reduce coughing. Typically, these are mixed with a base ointment. You can buy a jar at the pharmacy and apply it to the chest and neck areas. You'll feel relief and cough less. You can also make this ointment yourself by following these steps:
- Use a double boiler to melt a teaspoon of beeswax.
- Add ½ cup of coconut oil to the beeswax and mix well.
- Add 10 drops of peppermint essential oil.
- Pour the mixture into a glass jar, and once it cools, it's ready to use.
Make mustard plaster. Applying mustard plaster to relieve a sore throat and clear nasal passages is an old remedy. This is particularly useful if you have a deep cough and a burning sensation that reaches near your chest. Mustard powder is believed to help warm and improve circulation in the chest and throat.
- Mix ½ teaspoon of mustard seed powder with 1 tablespoon of flour. Add just enough water to form a thick paste.
- Spread the paste onto a piece of paper towel, then sandwich it between two clean cotton cloths to form a 'sandwich'.
- Place the 'sandwich' on your chest and neck. Be careful not to let the mustard paste touch your skin.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes or until you feel the area become warm and slightly reddened.
Use throat spray or lozenges. Throat sprays or lozenges designed for sore throats contain ingredients that help soothe the throat and clear nasal passages. Look for lozenges containing honey and peppermint essential oil. You can also use throat sprays or lozenges with mild antibacterial properties to numb the throat and reduce pain.
Take pain relievers. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce inflammation, which is the main cause of sore throat. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions.
- Aspirin is associated with a rare condition called Reye's syndrome (a metabolic disorder in children that can lead to encephalitis or liver failure).
- Aspirin should not be given to children and adolescents after having the flu or chickenpox.
Drink a Light Beverage
Make a cup of water with honey and cayenne pepper (a type of chili originating from the city of Cayenne in French Guiana). When you have a sore throat, adding honey to your tea or drinks is highly recommended. Both traditional wisdom passed down for centuries and modern studies agree that honey creates a protective layer in the throat and helps reduce inflammation and coughing effectively. Cayenne pepper is another effective remedy for a sore throat: it contains capsaicin, a compound found in many chilies that helps alleviate pain.
- Prepare your own soothing, healthy drink by mixing ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder and 1 tablespoon of honey into a cup of hot water. Let it cool and sip slowly.
- If you're sensitive to the spiciness of cayenne, reduce the cayenne powder to 1/8 teaspoon or less.
- Avoid giving honey to children under 1 year old as it may cause botulism.
- If you substitute the cayenne powder with 60 ml of whiskey and a bit of lemon juice, you’ll have a Hot Toddy cocktail.
Make chamomile tea. Scientific studies have shown that chamomile, a flowering herb known for its pleasant aroma, has been used for centuries to treat sore throats and colds. It contains anti-inflammatory compounds and helps relax muscles. Drinking several cups of chamomile tea each day when you have a sore throat will alleviate pain and help you feel more at ease. Chamomile tea is particularly effective before bed as it promotes better sleep.
- Chamomile tea is widely available at supermarkets. Be sure to check the ingredients and choose a box that contains pure chamomile or one with chamomile as the main ingredient. Follow the brewing instructions carefully.
- Add a spoonful of honey and a slice of lemon (which helps reduce swelling) to your cup of tea for enhanced benefits.
Try garlic soup. Garlic is known for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties, and it may also help fight inflammation and boost the immune system. While the scientific community has not fully proven all of garlic's benefits, many health experts still recommend it to soothe sore throats and fight respiratory infections.
- Make a flavorful garlic soup to ease throat irritation by peeling and crushing 2 cloves of garlic, then adding one cup of hot water. A pinch of salt will further help soothe the throat.
- If you enjoy garlic, you can peel and crush a single clove and hold it in your mouth for a few minutes. This method will have a similar effect as eating garlic soup.
Drink licorice cinnamon tea. Licorice contains compounds that are believed to reduce sore throat inflammation by thinning mucus and decreasing swelling. While the amount of these compounds in licorice-flavored candy is insufficient to provide any relief, a cup of tea brewed with dried licorice root can be very beneficial. Cinnamon also has natural antibacterial properties and pairs perfectly with licorice's flavor.
- To make a delicious cup of tea, add 1 teaspoon of licorice root, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and 2 cups of cold water to a small pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 10 minutes before pouring the tea into a cup and enjoying.
- Add a little honey or a slice of lemon to further enhance the flavor and benefits of your tea.
Drink Ginger Water. You may already know that ginger can help relieve stomach pain, but did you also know that this powerful herb can help soothe a sore throat? Ginger helps open up nasal passages, clear the sinuses and throat, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Be sure to use fresh ginger, not dried or powdered ginger, for the best results.
- Peel and finely chop a piece of fresh ginger, then place it into a cup. Pour boiling water over the ginger, let it sit for about 3 minutes, strain out the ginger, and enjoy. You can add honey, lemon, or a pinch of cayenne pepper if desired.
Make Chicken Soup. If you're looking for a tasty dish that can help alleviate a sore throat, nothing beats a classic bowl of chicken soup. Recent scientific studies have shown that chicken soup contains ingredients that help reduce inflammation and open up nasal passages. The benefits of chicken soup are not just hearsay. This nutrient-rich soup is a perfect option when you're not feeling too hungry.
- Use fresh chicken to make the soup or buy pre-made chicken soup from the supermarket, ensuring it's made with fresh chicken. Canned chicken soup will not be as effective in relieving a sore throat.
- If you prefer, you can strain out the chicken meat and only drink the broth.
Body Care
Drink Plenty of Water. Water helps your body recover and keeps your throat moist. Try drinking warm water to reduce throat inflammation, as cold water can often have the opposite effect.
Rest. If you wake up early or stay up late to finish work, your body may not have enough time to recover. To prevent your sore throat from turning into a full-blown cold or flu, make sure to rest and get enough sleep each night.
- When you first notice the symptoms of a sore throat, don’t worry too much. Eat plenty of fruit and maintain a healthy diet while staying home for the evening.
- You might consider taking a day off work or school to allow your body to rest. If that’s not possible, find a time during the day to take a short nap or lay down for at least 15 minutes.
Take a Warm Bath. The steam released during a warm bath will help to moisten your dry throat, easing your sore throat and congestion. Try to inhale the moist air through both your nose and mouth to allow the steam to reach your throat and nasal passages.
- If you choose to take a warm bath, consider adding some herbs or essential oils to the water. A few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus oil can help soothe your throat, similar to a steam inhalation treatment.
- If you don't want to bathe, close the bathroom door and turn on the hottest tap water possible to create steam in the room. Stand or sit in the steamy bathroom and breathe in for 5 to 10 minutes.
- For a quick facial steam, bring a kettle of water to a boil, turn off the stove, drape a towel over your head, and position your face near the hot water. Breathe in through both your nose and mouth to allow the warm steam to hydrate your nasal passages and throat. Be careful not to burn your face with the hot steam.
Turn on a Humidifier. Dry air in your home can irritate your throat, especially when you're suffering from a sore throat. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which helps to soothe the soft tissues and membranes in your throat, as these tissues are healthier when adequately hydrated. A humidifier is particularly helpful during winter months when the air tends to be drier.
Warm Up Your Throat. Sometimes, warming up your throat can be more effective than many other treatments for alleviating throat pain. Soak a cloth in hot water, wring it out, fold it, and place it around your neck until it cools down completely. The heat helps improve circulation and reduce swelling.
- Be cautious not to burn your skin. Avoid using water that is too hot to wet the cloth, as it could cause burns.
- Alternatively, you can use a hot water bottle for longer-lasting heat.
Avoid Throat Irritants. Ensure your living environment is clean and free of chemicals that can worsen your inflammation. When you inhale unpleasant smells or harsh chemicals, your throat can swell and become itchy. So, make sure your space is clear of irritants such as:
- Chemical fragrances, like those found in cleaners, air fresheners, body sprays, candles, or any other scented items in your home.
- Cleaning products like bleach, glass cleaner, or laundry detergents.
- Cigarette smoke and smoke from other sources.
- Allergens such as dust, pet dander, hair, mold, pollen, or any other particles that can trigger irritation.
Keep Your Distance from Others. A sore throat can be contagious, so if possible, stay home to prevent spreading the illness. In a classroom, for instance, one student with a cough could make the entire class sick.
- If staying home isn’t an option, wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth. Avoid coughing on others, and cover your mouth when speaking close to people. It’s best to stay as far away from others as possible.
- Even if you just have the first signs of a sore throat, avoid hugging or kissing others.
Biết rõ khi nào cần đến gặp bác sĩ. Nếu triệu chứng viêm họng không có dấu hiệu giảm sau vài ngày, hoặc có thêm các triệu chứng mới, hãy đi khám để biết liệu có phải bạn mắc một bệnh khác nghiêm trọng hơn. Có thể bạn đã bị nhiễm khuẩn hoặc vi rút (ở dạng viêm họng liên cầu, bệnh thủy đậu, cúm, hoặc các nhiễm trùng khác) và sẽ không thể khỏi nếu không được điều trị đúng cách. Nếu bạn có thêm những triệu chứng sau, hãy đi gặp bác sĩ càng sớm càng tốt:
- Khó thở, khó nuốt
- Đau khớp
- Đau tai
- Phát ban
- Nổi hạch ở cổ
- Sốt trên 38,5 độ C
- Đờm có máu.
Lời khuyên
- Nếu họng vẫn đau sau 5 ngày, bạn nên đi khám. Có thể, bạn bị viêm họng, viêm amidan, nhiễm liên cầu khuẩn, hoặc một số nhiễm trùng khác.
- Hãy tắm lâu một chút với nước nóng để làm giãn các cơ, tăng cường tuần hoàn máu và làm long chất nhầy ở khoang mũi và cổ họng.
- Nếu bạn bị nghẹt mũi, bạn có thể thử xì mũi (nhẹ nhàng xì từng bên mũi một) thay vì khịt mũi. Khịt mũi sẽ khiến cho chất nhầy bị giữ lại ở bên trong cơ thể.
- Tránh dùng đường vì đường có thể gây kích thích đối với cổ họng đang bị đau.
- Pha một cốc trà thảo mộc thật nóng và trước khi uống, hãy để cốc trà lên gần mặt sao cho hơi nóng bốc lên mặt bạn cho đến khi trà nguội bớt.
- Với các công thức pha chế ở trên, hãy sử dụng một lượng vừa đủ nguyên liệu. Dùng quá nhiều các nguyên liệu đó cũng có thể khiến cho họng bị kích ứng.
- Xúc miệng với dầu dừa và nước ấm (có thể thêm mật ong, gừng hoặc chanh).
- Khi tắm, hãy cố hít thở hơi nước nóng ẩm trong phòng tắm, sẽ có một chút tác dụng.
- Dùng lọ xịt mũi! Sẽ rất hiệu quả nếu bạn xổ mũi.
- Hạn chế nói!
- Ăn một chút cháo yến mạch còn ấm. Bạn sẽ thấy cổ họng dễ chịu hơn.
- Nếu bạn thường xuyên bị viêm họng theo kiểu định kỳ, hãy thay bàn chải đánh răng mới. Bàn chải đánh răng của bạn có thể chính là nguyên nhân khiến họng bị tái viêm. Vi trùng có thể tồn tại trong lông bàn chải và làm bạn bị tái viêm.
- Ăn các thức ăn có tính chua như cam hoặc lựu để bổ sung thêm vitamin C cho cơ thể.
- Trộn mật ong và chanh vào nước sôi để uống. Hãy nghỉ học và tránh căng thẳng. Nghỉ ngơi ở trên giường và hoàn thành bài tập về nhà của ngày hôm đó để bạn không phải lo lắng. Xem phim và làm mọi việc thật chậm rãi.
- Đừng la hét. Việc đó sẽ khiến cổ họng của bạn đau rát hơn. Hãy để cổ họng được nghỉ ngơi. Uống nước ấm và ngậm viên giảm ho đều đặn.
- Đừng làm gì khiến cố họng của bạn phải căng lên, như hát chẳng hạn. Cũng đừng lên giọng quá cao vì như thế bạn có thể làm hỏng giọng.
Cảnh báo
- Viêm họng, mặc dù rất khó chịu, nhưng là một bệnh thường gặp. Tuy nhiên, nếu viêm họng kéo dài hoặc lặp lại nhiều lần, đó có thể là dấu hiệu của một bệnh nghiêm trọng khác. Nếu bạn cảm thấy cổ họng quá đau rát và không có dấu hiệu khỏi sau vài ngày, hãy tìm đến bác sĩ để được kiểm tra họng một cách toàn diện, trong đó bao gồm cả việc cho một miếng gạc vào sâu trong cổ họng để lấy mẫu dịch được tiết ra từ mặt sau cổ họng. Sau đó, mẫu dịch sẽ được mang đi xét nghiệm để kiểm tra có sự xuất hiện của liên cầu khuẩn hay không.
- Nếu bạn bị cứng cổ hoặc đau mỏi cơ kèm theo viêm họng, hãy đi gặp bác sĩ ngay vì có thể bạn đã bị cúm.
