What to Take for a Sore Throat

A sore throatis an infection or inflammation in the pharyngeal area that is usually quite painful and causes discomfort for the person suffering from it, especially when swallowing.

AtFarmaciasdirect, we want to explainwhat to take for a sore throatso that you can be prepared to deal with it when it appears.

What is a sore throat?

A sore throat can present as mild discomfort, irritation or pain in the inside of the throat. It occurs when the tissues that make up the throat or those around itbecome inflamed, infected or irritated.A sore throat is not usually an illness in itself, but is often a symptom of a more serious condition, such as flu, pharyngitis, laryngitis, etc.

A sore throat can affect people of any age, although it is very common in children as a symptom of an illness they are going through.This pain is contagiousand usually feels more intense first thing in the morning before easing as the day goes on.

Find out what to take for a sore throat

If thesore throat you or your child are suffering fromis moderate, you can alternate the medication we recommend below with the advice we mentioned in the previous section. However, if you notice that the symptoms do not go away after a few days or they are getting worse, you shouldconsult your doctoras soon as possible.

These are the recommended medicines when you have amild or moderatesore throat and that you can find in any pharmacy:

• Sprays to soothe the pain:dyclonine, phenol
• Painkillers: paracetamol, ibuprofen, naproxen
• Hard sweets to coat the throat: sucking sweets or throat lozenges can be very soothing. Be careful with young children because of the risk of choking.

Now you knowwhat to take for a sore throatand you are ready for when it appears at home. Take a look at the online pharmacy fromFarmaciasdirectto see all the medicines they have available to relieve and treat a sore throat, and receive them without leaving home, within hours.

Causes of a sore throat

Thecauses of a sore throatcan be very varied, as it may arise from a viral infection, a bacterial infection or be non-infectious in nature. These are the main causes that can lead to throat discomfort:

• Common cold
• Flu
• Infectious mononucleosis or “kissing disease”
• Strep throat
• Breathing through the mouth (in this case it is common for someone to wake up after sleeping with a sore throat and dryness)

• Postnasal drip (this often happens when a cold is just starting)
• Eating or drinking something excessively hot
• Smoking
• Some operations and intubations
• Following treatments that compromise the immune system
• As a consequence of another illness

Home remedies to relieve a sore throat

Sometimes, you may not be able to identify the cause of your sore throat, but you need to relieve it as soon as possible. Thesehome remediescan be combined with medicines and help you while you wait to see a doctor.

These remedies alone may be enough tocompletely soothe a sore throat,but it is still advisable to consult a specialist about your health. These are some very effective home remedies:

• Restmore than usual by getting plenty of sleep and trying not to talk too much, so as not to strain the pharynx.
• Drinkplenty of fluids to keep your throat constantly hydrated and prevent it from hurting more because of dryness. It is a good idea to drink hydrating fluids and avoid coffee and alcohol, which could be harmful to your body when your defences are low.
• Have thosefoodsyou fancy, such as teas or broths, whenever you want, without worrying about meal times. Honey and ice cream can help soothe a sore throat.
• Garglewith salt water. Remember to swish the solution around your whole mouth and then spit it out.
• Dry air can make your throat even worse, so it is advisable to use airhumidifiersat home. If you do not have a humidifier, you can spend a few minutes in a steamy bathroom.
• Avoidanything that may worsen the symptoms of a sore throat, such as tobacco smoke or cleaning products.

Bibliography:

• Vázquez, N. P., González, M. C., Trillo, J. L., & Mouro, S. T. (2001). Dolor de garganta en la consulta de Atención Primaria. Cadernos de atención primaria, 8(2), 93-98.
• Víquez Bolaños, G. J. (2019). Dolor de garganta en el posoperatorio: factores de riesgo y prevención.