Content

• Steps

Sore throat is considered chronic or persistent if it doesn't go away on its own within 2 weeks. Having a sore throat can be uncomfortable, but fortunately it is rarely caused by a serious medical problem. Finding home remedies and seeing your doctor when needed can help you cure a sore throat.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Try home remedies

1. 

   Gargle with salt water. Just rinsing your mouth with salt water can help relieve sore throat symptoms. Warm salt water helps to soothe the throat.
   • Mix 1 cup of warm water with 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir until the salt is dissolved and the water is slightly cloudy.
   • Gargle with salt water for 30 seconds and then spit it out. Repeat while the sore throat persists.

2. 

   
   
   Use a humidifier. Dry air can cause a chronic sore throat. If you live or sleep in a dry environment, your throat can feel dry and painful. Try using a humidifier for the air to see if symptoms improve.
   • Humidifiers and air coolers can be purchased from a home appliance store or online. Place the unit in your home or bedroom to create a humid air.
   • Or, you can create moisture by sitting in an evaporating bath for a few minutes once a day. Keep track of if your sore throat symptoms improve.

3. 

   
   
   Use lozenges. Throat lozenges are available at most pharmacies. Depending on the type, the lozenge may contain ingredients that numb the throat and relieve pain. If you have a persistent sore throat, you can try a lozenge.
   • Do not give lozenges to young children, as they may choke. Besides, some of the ingredients in lozenges are also not good for the health of young children.
   • Lozenges are usually effective for mild pain. If the pain is severe or has other cold-like symptoms, try an over-the-counter medicine instead of a lozenge.

4. 

   
   
   Drink a lot of water. Have to stay hydrated when you have a sore throat. Drinking enough water will help reduce sore throat symptoms and prevent complications.
   • Drink quality fluids / water. Drink broth, filtered water, and whole fruit juices that do not contain added sugar. Drinks too much sugar or carbonated drinks can irritate the throat.
   • Drink plenty of fluids if your cough is accompanied by a fever. The body's need for fluids increases when sick.
   • Hot teas, especially ginger and lemon teas, are especially good for the throat. In addition, you can add honey because honey has antibacterial properties that help remove the virus that causes sore throats and cold symptoms,

5. 

   Rested. Sore throat can be caused by a virus, a cold or the flu. Rest is very important. Avoid vigorous physical activity like exercise and get more sleep. If possible, take a break from school / work until symptoms improve. advertisement

Part 2 of 3: Seeking medical help

1. 

   Try over-the-counter medications. A sore throat is usually not a problem. Most sore throats are caused by mild infections that usually go away on their own. If you want to treat a sore throat with medicine, you should take an over-the-counter medicine.
   • Pain relievers, such as Tylenol and ibuprofen, can help relieve sore throats effectively.
   • Chronic sore throats can be caused by a stuffy nose, especially during allergy season.In that case, you should try a decongestant spray or medicine. Use the product according to the instructions and watch for relief of pain and discomfort.
   • If your sore throat is caused by acid reflux, over-the-counter antacids may help relieve symptoms.

2. 

   Decide when to see your doctor. A sore throat usually goes away on its own. But if the sore throat persists for more than 3-4 weeks, you should see your doctor to determine the cause.
   • Your doctor will ask you about your medical history and lifestyle. Certain chronic illnesses like a thyroid problem, as well as habits like smoking, can cause a sore throat. Before going to the doctor, you should write down all the symptoms of the disease, details of lifestyle and medical condition (if any).
   • Your doctor can prescribe medication right away if the cause of your sore throat is known. However, if the cause is unknown, your doctor may order additional tests and blood tests. The doctor may perform a throat swab, which involves inserting a sterile gauze pad into the back of the throat and testing the swab. In addition, your doctor may perform a total blood cell analysis (CBC) or an allergy test.

3. 

   Ask your doctor about antibiotics. Antibiotics may be needed to treat a sore throat. If your sore throat is caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic for you.
   • Penicillin, the drug taken by mouth for 5-10 days, is the most common antibiotic. If you are allergic to Penicillin, your doctor may recommend an alternative medicine.
   • Take the full dose of medicine, even if your symptoms improve. Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking antibiotics as this will affect the effectiveness of the drug. If you forget to take a dose, you should call your doctor or pharmacist to find out what to do next.

4. 

   Try an antifungal. Oral thrush is a fungal infection in the lining of the tongue. Young children and teenagers, especially those with poor immune systems caused by a chronic illness, can both develop thrush. The disease can cause a chronic sore throat. If your sore throat is caused by thrush, your doctor may prescribe an antifungal medication.
   • Antifungal medications can come in the form of oral tablets, sprays, mouthwash, or lozenges. Your doctor will decide which one is best for you.
   • Usually, oral thrush is accompanied by a white blister in the mouth that is difficult to swallow. Your doctor can diagnose oral thrush by examining the mouth. However, some cases will require a curettage and a microscope to observe.

5. 

   Know if a sore throat is a sign of a serious problem. A sore throat is usually treatable and is not a sign of a serious illness. However, a chronic sore throat can be a sign of many worrisome complications.
   • Fever or lymphadenitis is a symptomatic viral infection that can last for up to 6 months. A sore throat accompanied by fatigue, fever, and other cold-like symptoms can be signs of a fever gland.
   • In some (rare) cases, a sore throat can be a sign of many types of oral cancers. So, if a sore throat lasts more than 3 weeks, you need to see a doctor.
   • If you are HIV positive, you should be tested for a chronic sore throat as soon as possible. It could be a sign of a serious, life-threatening illness.
   • If the tonsils are too large and often infected, your doctor may recommend tonsillectomy to resolve the problem.
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Part 3 of 3: Lifestyle changes

1. 

   Limit your exposure to tobacco smoke. Tobacco smoke is one of the main culprits of a chronic sore throat. Cigarette smoke irritates the eyes, mouth, nose, and throat. If you smoke or live with smokers, limiting your exposure to secondhand smoke can help relieve symptoms of a chronic sore throat.
   • Quit smoking. Not only does it irritate the throat, but second-hand smoke can also lead to serious health complications. Talk to your doctor about a quit plan and consider joining a support group (either in person or online).
   • If you live with a smoker, find ways to stay away from cigarette smoke. Ask them to smoke outside.

2. 

   Reduce muscle tension in the throat. Like the muscles in the arms and legs, the muscles in the throat can also be strained. If a career or hobby requires screaming or talking, a tight throat can cause a chronic sore throat. In that case, take a few days off to give your vocal cords a break and limit your verbal communication. Also, drink plenty of fluids if you have to talk often.

3. 

   Identify potential allergens. Allergies can cause a chronic sore throat, especially during seasons. You should identify potential allergens and limit your exposure to them.
   • If you often have a sore throat during a certain season, you may be allergic to something in the air. If so, you should stay indoors to reduce exposure. Alternatively, you can try an over-the-counter allergy medicine.
   • If you don't know the cause of your allergic reaction, talk to your doctor about allergy testing.
   • If a sore throat suddenly appears, you should review the new product use. New oral care products or strange foods can cause throat irritation. If so, you should stop using it to see if your symptoms improve.
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