Sore Throat Pain Relief Ideas That Work
Author: kristine
A sore throat is an acute inflammation of the lower pharynx. This inflammation usually affects the mucous membrane and causes it to discharge secretions similar to sputum. In some cases, the throat can be very dry that coughing to discharge the secretions can be harsh on the throat. The tonsils and the soft palate may also become inflamed and cause pain when swallowing. A burning sensation and a tightness in the throat are also common occurrences when one has sore throat.
Some common causes of sore throat include colds, allergies, and habits like breathing through the mouth. A sore throat can also be an indication of a more serious disease if it is severe and chronic. However, for mild and random sore throats, the following sore throat relief ideas work effectively:
-
Consider the cause of your sore throat.
Determining the cause of your sore throat is necessary before you can administer the proper cure and relief treatment. If colds and flus are prevalent in your office or any place you frequent, these viruses are probably the cause of your sore throat. Excessive shouting and eating foods that are too spicy can also cause sore throats. However, if you suspect that your sore throat is caused by something more serious like strep throat, you must have it checked by your doctor.
-
Take prescription or over-the-counter painkillers.
Your doctor can prescribe prescription medication for your sore throat. Depending on the severity or the perceived cause, he or she can prescribe plain painkillers or one with antibacterial properties. You can also use over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or naproxen to relieve the pain in your throat. You can also take an analgesic to reduce inflammation like aspirin and acetaminophen. Just be sure to inform your doctor of any medication you have taken or are currently taking. This way, you can avoid over-medicating and possibly adverse drug interactions.
-
Suck on throat lozenges.
Lozenges with zinc, menthol, benzocaine, or phenol are ideal to suck on since they can numb the throat. Menthol hard candies are also good substitutes if you cannot find lozenges. Sucking on lozenges promote saliva production which prevents dryness and scratching in the throat. Saliva production also reduces the chances of bacterial infections in the throat.
-
Gargle mouthwash or salt water frequently.
The alcohol in the mouthwash has antiseptic properties which can cleanse the throat if there are bacteria. It also disinfects scratches and lesions in the throat which might be caused by dry coughing. Salt water works the same way and is cheaper in comparison. Simply combine a teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water. Gargle the mixture several times a day. This will increase the blood supply to the area by washing away mucus and dilating capillaries, thereby enabling better circulation of infection-fighting antibodies.
-
Eat a soft or liquid diet.
Instead of meals that require you to swallow solid food like meat, opt for soups, yogurts, and mashed vegetables to avoid irritating your throat further. Supplement this diet with lots of water and natural fruit juices to facilitate the development of antibodies. Remember to avoid too much spices in your meals as these can aggravate your sore throat.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/sore-throat-pain-relief-ideas-that-work-486433.html
About the Author
Kristine Anne Gonzaga is a content writer and researcher who specializes in health topics and health-related issues.Visit DrugstoreTM.com for more details. And also you can visit Drugstoretm- Articles for more health related articles.
[TEMPLATE]cannibis[/TEMPLATE]
How is drug use a sin? If it is, why aren’t other drugs a sin (esp. ones for mental health and pain relief)?
How is taking pill for social anxiety better then smoking pot or drinking beer for the same reason? What about for general anxiety? What about people who take prescription pills (such as valium) that aren’t prescribed to them for taking a plane ride? What is the line in the sand?
What does legality have to do with morality?
Jesus was a criminal you know… He WAS executed…
Drug use and drug abuse – I think that’s where the line should be drawn – not sin. I think that drugs become a social problem when a person is so badly addicted that they have to steal or become a prostitute and lose all their family just to have their next fix. That’s when a persons life is ruined.
The same problem occurs with alcoholism – even though that’s accepted by fundies to be alright.
There is nothing wrong with smoking a little weed or having a drink or getting stoned or taking any kind of meds as long as it doesn’t rule your life.
I smoke a fair amount of pot and I really enjoy it. It’s never affected my interpersonal relationships or skills.
One could even argue that the fundies are addicted to god and the bible and that is also a drug to them – one that does affect their interpersonal relationships to the nth
Percocet and Valium for pain relief?
i have a non traumatic compression fracture and my pcp doesnt seem to be caring enough, he never told me why i have the fracture in the first place, he just said that given the excersices and rest my fracture will be better and able to do the things i was able to do before.
im not confident in his opinions anymore because of the diagnosis he gave me, he didnt even give me a bone density scan to rule out osteo.
so i went to the hospital today to get stronger meds, i was on various meds, bhut most recently it was vicodin (pain) ativan (muscle relaxer)
the hospital gave me percocet 5mg and valium 5 mg, will this be better than the vicodin and ativan?
haha i know what benzos are, i have taken a few of them in the past, including xanax and klonopin…but does it typically help with pain relief???
Ativan and valium are both benzodiazapines. They’re used to treat anxiety mostly. Valium has muscle relaxing properties but ativan really doesn’t. Definitely take the valium instead of the ativan.
Percocet and vicodin are both narcotic pain relievers. Both contain tylenol and shouldn’t really be taken together. Feel free to alternate between them if you want. (ie take 1 vicodin and then 1 percocet 4-6 hours later).
You can take 1 pain reliever and 1 benzo together. It doesn’t really matter which combination you use. Just don’t take the valium and ativan together or the vicodin and percocet together. Like I said before, the ativan is basically worthless unless you need to sleep.
I need help with pain relief please please help me?
Recently I was diagnosed with Congenital muscular torticollis. They have given me many medications for pain and muscle relaxers still nothing helps. I have been given vicodin,darvoset,tramadol,valium,flexarole etc.. nothing helps its excruciating pain. I just want it to go away. It’s effecting my work, school and social life any suggestions on how to go about this?
what are some alternatives to narcotics for pain relief?
I have recently over the past few months went from being dependent on oxycodone to having an addiction to it. I over use because of the addiction and want off all narcotics at this time. I am looking for any alternatives to narcotics to treat knee pain, fibromyalgia and Restless Leg Syndrome. PLEASE HELP I am desperate for alternatives. I have tried heat, ice, NSAID’S, physical therapy and numerous braces for knee and back pain and currently take REQUIP and Valium for RLS.
meditation for pain relief?
I have slipped a couple of discs and am never likely to recover. I currently take codeine, amitriptyline, morphine and valium. obviously, this is not a healthy way to live!
Has anyone ever tried meditation for pain relief? or does anyone know of any other good pain management techniques? (not TENS!)
Patrick, are you selling these bracelets?
I have been referred to a pain clinic and have an appt. in two weeks. I really don’t want to do cognitive behaviour therapy to come to terms with the fact my life will be painful. I’m 24! This cannot be what my life will be like!
PS: Monstermunch, do you know the name of this website please?
You would benefit from asking your own Dr to refer you to the pain management team at the local hospital as they offer a different approach to the whole issue and other options like alternatives and injections. But it is the place to be for long term and chronic pain. They use some different medications cocktails than the one you are taking now.
I am on pain management for neuropathic pain and now have regular day case injections alongside a regime of medications but I have also had a lot of benefit from the interaction with a psychologist and coming to terms and learning to live with the pain.
Also a high quality physio can offer a regime of exercises that will help with pain, structure and mobility. My husband slipped a neck disc and got a huge amount of relief from the stretching and exercises and treatment and is almost back to normal now.
Not a cure but a good optional approach.
Pain clinics have access to Pilate’s, acupuncture and other alternatives as well.
I have yet to try hypnotherapy but I think is is also a feasible option.
More importantly keep on top of it and do not let the pain win and control your life. You have to be in control to live with it. One of the American sites has a very positive ten point plan and starts with the control issue.
Best of luck!
***sorry cannot remember the website but there is loads on info on line for the USA and UK on neuropathic pain. Several of the American sites look at control as part of the overall picture. Just search like mad and you will find lots of articles and interesting infor.
Meant to say psychotherapist for the talking therapy. Not what you think. Helped take the anger out of the situation.
Pain clinic uses various medications used in epilepsy and multiple sclerosis and they give brilliant pain relief and work really well. My issue was severe allergic reactions to these brilliant drugs which ruled them out.
You have to learn to use your energy to get on top of the pain and work within the confines of the pain to get a good quality of normal life. It is a daily battle and is very isolating as well.