Difficulty in swallowing, scratchy sensation, light cough or pain that worsens with swallowing or talking? If you got up this morning, feeling that your throat is sending you warning signs, then it is essential to act promptly, treating your sore throat properly, thus preventing further unpleasant symptoms. Follow the next tips, change some of your daily habits and be sure that you will manage to cope with the first annoying symptoms effectively, achieving immediate relief from a sore throat.
Tips for relieving a sore throat
Although a sore throat is usually an “innocent” symptom, raising no reasons for concern, it can become quite annoying, making everyday life and activities seem more difficult. Furthermore, it may be a warning sign sent from the human body to indicate general exhaustion and weakness. Therefore, as soon as you feel like manifesting a sore throat, it is important to take measures to relieve the discomfort as well as to boost the immune system. Follow the next tips:
Increase fluid intake: Adequate hydration is recommended by all experts and is certainly the first step you ought to follow. Fluids will soothe your dry throat, preventing dehydration. For sure, you should try to avoid the excessive consumption of caffeine and alcohol, showing your preference in beverages such as tea, camomile or other herbal teas. You may even add a squeeze of lemon, which is rich in vitamin C, thus at the same time promoting the function of the immune system. Extra tip: Given tea’s high caffeine content -excessive consumption can bring both overstrain and dehydration- do not overdrink or at least try to choose a type of tea with less caffeine.
Candies: Our Apitherapy candies will become your best friend. Choose MACROVITA Candies with propolis, vitamin C & herbal extracts (camomile, lavender, oregano), which relieve an irritated throat and contribute to the strengthening of the immune system. They have a pleasant lemon flavor and natural sugars. Alternatively, you may choose MACROVITA Candies with propolis, vitamin C & herbal extracts (mountain tea, echinacea, sage) with an orange flavor. They soothe a sore throat and help to relieve the common cold symptoms, while also being suitable for diabetics since they contain a natural sweetener from stevia plant.
Cold or hot?: There is no unanimity whether cold or hot beverages are better for a sore throat. Some argue that cold drinks (or even ice cubes or popsicles) relieve a sore throat, especially when someone faces difficulty in swallowing. Others believe that hot drinks and soups are helpful, since -above all- they enable proper breathing by opening the airways and fluidizing secretions. In any case, act conservatively and avoid extremely hot or ice-cold foods, choosing ones at a tolerable temperature.
Eat your honey: Old, classic way of dealing with a sore throat. It is probably the first and easiest thing you can do as soon as you feel the first discomfort. Swallow a heaped spoonful of good, raw honey. Thanks to its emollient and antibacterial properties, it softens and soothes a sore throat. In addition, you may add a bit of honey to your beverages.
Avoid smoking: Even if you like smoking, you certainly understand that smoking (or even staying in a smoke-filled area) dries your throat even more, making it more difficult and time-consuming to deal with a sore throat. Do yourself a favor and avoid smoking, at least until your sore throat subsides.
In general, get some rest and avoid straining your throat for no reason. If you notice that your sore throat persists and symptoms such as fatigue, muscle aches or fever arise, consult your doctor.