Sore throat - Tips against scratching the throat

Scratching in the throat, difficulty swallowing, and hoarseness: Sore throat is often the beginning of a cold. But the causes of sore throats can be manifold. Because sore throat is not an independent disease, but a symptom that can have very different reasons. By far the most common is virus-related pharyngitis behind it. How sore throat develops and what helps against the symptoms, read here.

Sore throat - Tips against scratching the throat

Causes of sore throat

Typical triggers of acute sore throats are colds, tonsillitis or other inflammation in the mouth and throat - usually triggered by viruses, more rarely bacteria. Even more severe infections such as scarlet fever or diphtheria are manifesting with a sore throat. Hoarseness is a sign that the inflammation also affects the larynx with its vocal cords.

In addition, for example, severe inflammation in the esophagus or lymph node swelling in the neck can lead to a sore throat. Swallowing problems without sore throat can, in turn, have an allergic cause or be triggered for example by a thyroid disorder.

What to do for a sore throat? The best tips!

Mild cold with a sore throat can even be addressed with home remedies. If the symptoms do not improve significantly after a period of two to three days, you should absolutely go to the doctor. Chronic or recurring strep throat and hoarseness attacks should also be clarified by a doctor.

The following tips and home remedies help to get rid of a sore throat quickly.

1. Drink a lot

In order for the sore throat to disappear soon, it is always advisable to drink plenty. The liquid keeps the mucous membranes moist, cold viruses can not multiply so well. Medicinal plants have an anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties and are therefore suitable for tea or gargling. Herbal teas are recommended for example from:

• Sage,
• Thyme,
• Chamomile and
• Mallow

Even the famous "hot lemon" is a recommended home remedy for a sore throat. Whether hot or cold, is not crucial and depends on personal preference.

2. Gargle helps against sore throat

Gargling with lukewarm saltwater is also one of the proven home remedies. Dissolve 1/4 teaspoon of salt in 0.2 liters of warm water.

Chamomile and sage tea (in strong concentration and long drawn) are suitable for gargling.

3. Neck wrap as a home remedy

Neck wraps are used by many people to provide relief for sore throats:

• • For this purpose, a kitchen towel with cool to warm (depending on the need) water-soaked, wrung and placed around the neck.
• • On top, you wrap a dry cloth or a woolen scarf.
• • Between 20 and 30 minutes, the wet wrap should act.
• • Instead of water, lemon juice or oil, curd cheese or Retterspitz are also suitable

4. Combat sore throat with a sweat cure

Even a sweat after a hot bath is beneficial. Keeping yourself warm - especially your feet and neck - is an important step towards getting better in case of a sore throat anyway.

5. Homeopathy for the treatment of sore throat

Homeopathic remedies are selected according to the type of symptoms. The following homeopathic remedies are used:

• Belladonna for burning sore throat, dysphagia and swollen tonsils
• Phytolacca with pain radiating to the ears
• Lycopodium, when initially the right side of the neck is affected
• Lachesis, when the pain is located on the left side at the beginning

6. Keep bed rest

A home remedy helps in the truest sense of the word: If you have a sore throat and feel uncomfortable or even have a fever, stays at home and treat yourself to rest. This is often neglected, because you do not want to get sick leave, for example.

Get rid of sore throat quickly with medication?

In the case of sore throats, many people resort to over-the-counter medical painkillers from the pharmacy in order to be quick "back in action". However, none of these remedies should be used for more than three days without medical consultation.

MORE ARTICLES

• Cold, flu or influenza infection?
• Colds - a small 1x1
• The best home remedies for cold

When to the doctor with a sore throat?

You should go to the doctor if...

• Sore throat lasts more than three days,
• The symptoms are associated with shortness of breath, respiratory problems or heavy dysphagia,
• Pain mainly occurs on one side of the neck or after the strain of the voice,
• The lymph nodes are heavily swollen,
• It’s hard to open your mouth wide,
• Body temperature is persistently elevated (38 degrees Celsius for longer than three days) or fever is measured above 39 degrees Celsius in adults or over 40 degrees Celsius in children,
• Sore throat associated with a rash on the face or body or raspberry red discoloration of the tongue,
• You suddenly or very strongly become hoarse or
• Sore throat is very common (in adults more than four times a year) and home remedies do not work.

Do infants have a sore throat, an early visit to the doctor is recommended.