Remedies for Sore Throat

- better defined pharyngitis - is an infectious-inflammatory process involving the pharynx. More often, the sore throat also spreads to neighboring areas, thus compromising the nose, larynx and tonsils.

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Pharyngitis causes pain and irritation of the throat mucosa, which is accentuated during coughing and swallowing.

Although it is closely related to flu and cold, sore throat can also occur independently of secondary diseases.
Similarly to flu diseases, sore throats are a very common discomfort among the world population and, despite being easily reversible, tends to recur several times over the course of the year.

The published material is intended to allow quick access to general advice, suggestions and remedies that doctors and textbooks usually dispense for the treatment of Sore Throat; such indications must in no way substitute the opinion of the attending physician or other health specialists in the sector who are treating the patient.

several times during the day: this remedy speeds up healing from a sore throat. Alternatively, you can take one or two teaspoons of honey a day, to take advantage of its soothing action on reddened mucous membranes.

Rinse the throat with gargle (with antiseptic solutions, warm salt water or medicated mouthwashes with a disinfectant action). The indicative dose for salt water gargle is: 5 ml of salt (1 teaspoon) for 250 ml of water

Humidify the environment: it is recommended to keep the environment at the right humidity (40-60%)

The rest, both physical and of the voice, is essential to favor the remission of symptoms in a short time

Drink plenty of fluids to ensure the right degree of moisture in the throat and prevent dehydration

Cover your throat with a scarf, especially when going out in the cold

, consequently the administration of antibiotic drugs would be useless, ineffective and superfluous, if not even harmful for oneself and also for others

Take milk and derivatives immediately after the administration of antibiotics such as tetracyclines: dairy products can inactivate the drug

Use anti-inflammatory drugs for a long time: such behavior can worsen symptoms and make pathogens more resistant to treatment

Smoking or breathing secondhand smoke: cigarette smoke, just like smog, can irritate the mucous membranes of the throat even more, increasing pain

Giving aspirin to children under the age of 12: such behavior can cause serious side effects, such as Reye's syndrome, liver dysfunction and brain changes.

Use the same towels / cutlery / glasses as those with sore throats or flu-like illnesses to reduce the risk of contagion

diluted in cold water. The coolness of the water and the disinfectant action of the lemon give immediate relief to the sore throat

Drinking warm milk mixed with honey: ancient natural remedy, useful for creating immediate relief to irritated throat mucous membranes

Take yogurt with live lactic ferments or probiotics: by doing so, the immune defenses are strengthened

Popsicles, slushes and ice creams can provide relief (albeit temporary) to a sore throat

: it seems that these foods predispose the patient suffering from cold and sore throat to dehydration

Spicy / mucosal irritating foods (e.g. pepper, chilli, curry, nutmeg)

Avoid the consumption of foods that are difficult to digest, such as sauces, fries and foods rich in fats: this remedy is part of the list of rules dictated by food education, therefore it should always be followed, regardless of sore throat

based on:

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.): gives relief to irritated mucous membranes → anti-inflammatory, sedative, bactericidal, antifungal properties
Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia) → antiviral, immunostimulating, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties (also in the form of syrup or tablets)
Propolis → antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral activity (also in the form of tablets to suck)
Spirea (meadowsweet spirea) → anti-inflammatory, calming properties. Its extract contains modest concentrations of salicylates with antipyretic and analgesic effects.

The fumigations are also an effective remedy for sore throats, especially if associated with flu or cold:

Mint (Mentha piperita) → balsamic, decongestant, anti-catarrhal properties
Bitter orange (Citrus aurantium L. var. bitter) → disinfectant, anti-inflammatory, decongestant properties
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus Labill) → anti-inflammatory, expectorant, balsamic properties

: particularly useful in case of sore throat associated with colds.

Take antibiotics in case of known bacterial-dependent sore throat, for example:

Clarithromycin (eg. Biaxin, Macladin)
Amoxicillin (eg Augmentin)
Telithromycin (eg Ketek)

Take antifungals when the cause of the sore throat is a "fungal infection."

If necessary, take antiviral drugs

Therapeutic aids → speed up healing:

Paracetamol (Eg. Tachipirina, Efferalgan)
Ibuprofen (e.g. brufen, moment)

Corticosteroids: indicated only with medical advice, for a very severe sore throat:

Cortisone (eg. Cortone acetate)
Prednisone (eg. Deltacortene, Lodotra)

, to reduce the risk of infection

Bring disinfectant wipes or specific liquid formulations (e.g. amuchina) with you

Avoid as much as possible any contact with affected subjects: even a sneeze or a cough are vehicles for the spread of the pathogens responsible for sore throat

): in these circumstances the patient undergoes specific surgery / chemotherapy to kill cancer cells. Monica explains the most used natural remedies in herbal medicine to prevent and fight sore throats and colds.