Sore ThroatHome TreatmentHome treatment is usually all that
is needed for a sore throat caused by a virus. These tips may help you feel
better. - Gargle with warm salt water to help reduce
swelling and relieve discomfort:
- Gargle at least once each hour with
1 tsp (5 g)
of salt dissolved in
8 fl oz (237 ml) of warm water.
- If you have
postnasal drip, gargle often to prevent more throat irritation.
- Prevent
dehydration. Fluids may help thin secretions and
soothe an irritated throat. Hot fluids, such as tea or soup, may help decrease
throat irritation.
- Use a
vaporizer or humidifier in your bedroom.
- Warm or cool mist may help you feel more
comfortable by soothing the swollen air passages. It may also relieve
hoarseness. However, don't let your room become uncomfortably cold or very
damp.
- Use a shallow pan of water to provide moisture in the air
through evaporation if you don't have a humidifier. Place the pan in a safe
location where no one will trip on it or fall into it.
- Do not smoke or use other tobacco products and
avoid
secondhand smoke. For more information, see the topic
Quitting Smoking.
- If you suspect that
problems with stomach acid may be causing your sore throat, see the topic
Heartburn.
Consider taking nonprescription medicine for your symptoms. - Use nonprescription throat lozenges.
- Some nonprescription throat lozenges, such as
Sucrets Maximum Strength or Spec-T, are safe and effective and have medicine
(local anesthetic) that numbs the throat to soothe pain.
- Regular
cough drops may also help.
- Use a
decongestant.
- Decongestants make breathing easier by
shrinking swollen mucous membranes in the nose, allowing air to pass through.
They also help relieve a runny nose and postnasal drip, which can cause a sore
throat.
- Decongestants can be taken orally or used as
decongestant nasal sprays. Oral decongestants (pills)
are probably more effective and provide longer relief but may cause more side
effects.
- Don't give decongestants to a child younger than 2 unless
you've checked with the doctor first. If your child’s doctor tells you to give
a medicine, be sure to follow what he or she tells you to do.
Medicine you can buy without a prescription | Try a nonprescription
medicine to help treat your fever or pain: | | Safety tips | Be sure to follow these
safety tips when you use a nonprescription medicine: | - Carefully read and follow all directions
on the medicine bottle and box.
- Do not take more than the
recommended dose.
- Do not take a medicine if you have had an
allergic reaction to it in the past.
- If
you have been told to avoid a medicine, call your doctor before you take
it.
- If you are or could be pregnant, do not take any medicine other
than acetaminophen unless your doctor has told you to.
- Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than age 20 unless your doctor tells you to.
| Additional home treatment can be found in topics related to
sore throat. Symptoms to Watch For During Home Treatment Use the Check Your Symptoms section to
evaluate your symptoms if any of the following occur during home
treatment: - Drooling or increased difficulty breathing
develops.
- Inability to swallow or drink enough fluids
develops.
- A muffled voice develops.
- A new rash or fever
develops.
- Signs of
dehydration are present.
- A persistent sore
throat or fever develops.
- Symptoms become more severe or more
frequent.
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| | Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: February 25, 2008 | | Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Steven L. Schneider, MD - Family Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | © 1995-2009 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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