by Katie Smith

Tips on How to Soothe a Sore Throat 

There are many ways that you can get rid a sore throat. However, not every cure can meet the needs of your sore throat. Here are a few tips on sore throat treatment that work for most every kind of sore throat and will give you a good baseline to start off from before you begin resorting to more specific forms of treatment.

• Things to Avoid

The first step when it comes to how to soothe a sore throat is avoiding things that could worsen the condition. Avoid the common irritants and causes of sore throat. Sore throat can often be caused by pollution, smoke, allergens and so forth. If you live in an area or work in an area where you could be susceptible to taking in pollutants or airborne irritants, you may want to consider using a hygienic face mask. If you are a smoker, cut down on your smoking intake. Also avoid taking in foods that are rough and could cause you more pain upon swallowing, which can make more difficult to get rid a sore throat. These include very sweet, spicy or acidic foods and drinks.

Also, prevent damaging your throat from excessive use. Experts in sore throat treatment will often suggest refraining from talking, singing or screaming while you have a sore throat. Such actions can aggravate a sore throat and make your condition worse.

• Things to Do

When you are looking for ways on how to soothe a sore throat, there are many tips to accomplish that, making your remedies to get rid a sore throat much effective. One tip is to keep proper hygiene. While this may seem trite, we come in contact with most viruses and bacteria from items such as doorknobs, salt and pepper shakers and tables, which are used in public. Washing your hands after holding items such as these can keep the sore throat at bay.

Eat foods that are easy to swallow and are rich in vitamins and minerals. You need foods that can strengthen your autoimmune system as much as possible. Soft fruits like bananas or warm and soothing herbal teas can be perfect for your sore throat treatment. Make an effort to take in supplements and vitamins when vitamin-rich foods are less available.

Finally, get checked up by a doctor if symptoms persist for too long or are much more severe than a normal sore throat. As much as taking care of the sore throat without having to splurge on professional medical help is attractive to the sore throat sufferer, sometimes the best guide to sore throat treatment can be found with those who know how to handle it best.

There are many things to consider when you are looking on how to soothe a sore throat. Take time to make simple changes to your daily routine, and you will find treating your sore throat an easy task.

• Symptoms of Sore Throat that Signal a Visit to the Doctor

Sore throat symptoms can be so unpleasant and irritating that you wish you could rip your throat out. If you have ever experienced a painful and scratchy sensation in the throat that manifests itself mostly as you swallow or speak, then you have probably had a sore throat sometime in your life. But what is a sore throat exactly? And when should it be checked up by a doctor? Here you will find answers for some of the most frequently asked questions about sore throats and when to go to a doctor about it.

The most common symptoms of sore throat are a result of a bacterial or viral infection. Most of the time a sore throat accompanies a cold or flu. A sore throat may also be caused by irritants in the air such as pollutants like smoke, or allergens such as pollen. However, there are times in which a sore throat can be a sign for something much more serious. You may be asking, what is a sore throat symptom that deserves more careful attention. Here are a few to consider.

• Symptoms Of Sore Throat

Firstly, one must remember that a sore throat when accompanied by rhinitis, watery eyes and coughing or sneezing is generally not something that requires professional medical attention. This is all part of normal cold and flu symptoms. Mild headaches are also nothing to worry about, and can be treated at home effectively.

If that’s the case, then what is a sore throat that requires medical attention? Typically, sore throats require attention if the accompanying symptoms are much longer-lasting or severe than what is common to a normal cold or flu. A normal sore throat will only last a day or so, and if the symptoms of sore throat you are experiencing last longer than 14 days, then you may need to get yourself checked up.

Having a fever that is higher than 101 F and is not accompanied by any other cold symptoms can be a sign of strep throat, and it will require professional treatment. Also, if your sore throat symptoms continue for more than 7-10 days and is accompanied by watery and itchy eyes, sneezing and runny nose, then you may be suffering from allergies that should be checked up by a doctor. Finally, if the individual suffering from sore throat is a child, pregnant, obese, or chronically ill, it is also a good precaution to get them checked up.

If you are still wondering what is a sore throat, how to make it go away, and when it should be checked up by a medical professional, then there are plenty of resources available on this blog and across the Internet at your disposal.