Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 4: Using natural remedies
• Method 2 of 4: Using over-the-counter medications
• Method 3 of 4: Home Care
• Method 4 of 4: See a doctor

Throat infections are common. The patient has difficulty swallowing and sore throat. In some cases, tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils) develops, as well as pain in the ear and neck. Throat infections are caused by a variety of pathogens, which can be identified through diagnosis. Sore and sore throat is most often caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Viruses are the most common cause of throat infections, and the condition usually goes away on its own without medication. If the inflammation in the throat is caused by bacteria, the disease is much more severe and usually requires medical attention. To relieve sore throat, take over-the-counter medications. You can also use natural remedies to treat sore throat. If your condition does not improve a few days after the onset of the illness, or the illness is severe enough, consult your doctor. Attention:the information in this article is for informational purposes only. Consult your healthcare professional before using any medication.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Using natural remedies

1. 1 Gargle with saline to relieve sore throat. The saline solution kills bacteria and reduces irritation. Dissolve one to two teaspoons of sea salt in a glass of warm water. Take a sip of the prepared solution and gargle with it.
   • Repeat the procedure twice a day.
2. 2 Drink lemon juice with honey to reduce irritation. Honey has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Honey is also an effective cough suppressant. Combine equal parts honey and fresh lemon juice in a cup. Heat the mixture in the microwave and drink to soothe an irritated throat.
   • You can also add honey and lemon juice to herbal tea.
3. 3 Drink sage and echinacea tea. Sage is an herb that has anti-inflammatory effects and relieves sore throat. Echinacea also helps reduce inflammation and is excellent at fighting bacteria. Take 1 teaspoon of echinacea herb and 1 teaspoon of sage and cover with half a glass of boiling water. Infuse the tea for 30 minutes, then strain and drink.
   • If you don't like the taste of herbal tea, you can add honey or lemon to it.
4. 4 Drink apple cider vinegar tea, which is great at fighting bacteria. Another good home remedy for a throat infection is apple cider vinegar tea. Mix 1 cup boiling water with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Wait for the tea to cool down. Drink this healthy tea.
   • Add honey if you prefer sweet tea.

Method 2 of 4: Using over-the-counter medications

1. 1 Use lozenges. These lozenges contain benzocaine, phenol and lidocaine, which are effective in relieving sore throat. Lollipops often contain natural ingredients such as honey and lemon. Also, such products include chemical medicinal ingredients.You can buy lozenges at the pharmacy.
   • Take one tablet and suck it like candy until it dissolves in your mouth; do not swallow the tablet whole. Never suck more than two tablets at a time.
2. 2 Use medications for sore throat. If the course of the disease is moderate, medications for sore throat can be used. These drugs are usually sold in the form of lozenges, anesthetic or antiseptic sprays, or rinsing solutions.
   • If you think you have a bacterial infection, consult a doctor who can diagnose and treat you accordingly. Over-the-counter drugs may not always give the desired results.
3. 3 Take pain relievers to relieve fever and pain. Pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help relieve symptoms such as irritation and pain. Always follow the instructions on the packaging. Typically, one to two tablets are taken every 4 hours to reduce fever and pain.
   • Paracetamol and ibuprofen usually have no side effects. However, some people are allergic to the components of these drugs. Make sure you are not allergic to paracetamol, ibuprofen, or any of their ingredients before taking these drugs.

Method 3 of 4: Home Care

1. 1 Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Drinking water and other fluids will moisturize your throat and help you cope with dehydration. Drink at least eight to ten glasses of water a day.
   • Add slices of lemon, lime, or cucumber to the water for a pleasant scent.
2. 2 Make sure that the air in the room where you are is sufficiently humid. This will reduce throat irritation. Use a humidifier in the room where you are. Clean it regularly to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.
3. 3 Get some rest to help your body fight infection effectively. Help your body by giving it the time and energy it needs to fight a throat infection. Observe bed rest. Refrain from strenuous physical activity and do not go to bed too late.
   • To make it easier for you to stay in bed, read a book or watch TV while lying in bed.
4. 4 Quit smoking and avoid polluted air. Cigarette smoke can worsen unpleasant symptoms. Stop smoking. Stay away from areas of cigarette smoke.
   • Air pollution such as smog can also worsen symptoms. If you live in a city with polluted air, do not leave the premises during the day when it is very hot outside. During this period, air pollution reaches its highest level.

Method 4 of 4: See a doctor

1. 1 Learn to distinguish between the symptoms of a viral infection and a bacterial infection. With a viral infection, a person experiences a sore throat, which quickly goes away on its own. With a bacterial infection, the course of the disease is more severe. Strep throat is a common bacterial disease. In this case, you cannot do without the help of a doctor.
   • A viral infection is usually accompanied by cold symptoms. Watch for symptoms such as cough, runny nose, or stuffy nose.
   • A bacterial throat infection comes with a variety of symptoms. Symptoms usually start unexpectedly and most often the infection affects children.
   • Acute streptococcal pharyngitis is an acute inflammation of the throat. Symptoms last longer than viral infections. Swallowing may be difficult. The tonsils and back of the throat look red and swollen, and pus and red spots appear on the lining of the throat. Other symptoms include fever, headache, nausea, and swollen lymph nodes.
   • Strep throat is highly contagious and can be transmitted by airborne droplets or by direct contact. Lack of appropriate treatment can lead to unpleasant consequences such as ear infections, scarlet fever, acute rheumatic fever, blood poisoning, kidney disease and osteomyelitis. See your doctor right away if you think you or your child has strep throat.
2. 2 Pass the necessary diagnostics. If your sore throat does not improve with home remedies, or if you suspect a bacterial infection is causing your sore throat, see your doctor. Your doctor will examine your throat and look for other symptoms. Then he will diagnose and prescribe treatment.
   • You can either have a bacterial infection, such as strep throat, or a viral throat infection. In rare cases, there may be tonsillitis. The doctor will be able to make the correct diagnosis.
3. 3 Ask your doctor about antibiotic use. Antibiotics are given for bacterial infections, such as streptococcal strep throat. Antibiotics are effective in treating bacterial infections. As a rule, a couple of days after starting antibiotics, the patient gets better.
   • Always follow your doctor's recommendations for taking antibiotics. Avoid alcoholic beverages if you are taking antibiotics.
   • Be sure to complete the full course of antibiotic treatment.
4. 4 Ask your doctor about surgery if you have chronic tonsillitis. If your tonsillitis recurs very often (every month or more) or you have trouble breathing or sleeping, your doctor may recommend surgery. During the operation, the tonsils will be removed, thereby eliminating the source of infection and discomfort.
   • The doctor will tell you about the operation and what type of anesthesia will be used.