Ease the Pain of a Sore Throat

By: McClatchy-Tribune News Service
Posted In: Opinion

Winter isn’t too far away, and it’s the peak season for developing a sore throat.

Viruses associated with colds and influenza cause most sore throats. Unfortunately, we can come into contact with these viruses many different ways, including when someone coughs or sneezes, hand-to-hand contact with an infected person or sharing objects, such as utensils, towels or a telephone.

If you should develop a nasty sore throat, the Mayo Clinic offers the following suggestions to help ease the discomfort until it runs its course.
-Double your fluid intake. Fluids help keep mucus thin and easy to clear.
-Gargle with warm salt water. Mix { teaspoon of salt in a full glass of warm water, gargle, and then spit the water out. This soothes the throat and clear it of mucus.
-Add honey and lemon to taste into a glass of very hot water. Drinking this combo can help ease sore throat pain. Honey coats and soothes your throat, while lemon helps cut mucus.
-Suck on a throat lozenge or a piece of hard candy. This stimulates saliva production, which bathes and cleanses your throat.
-Add moisture to the air with a humidifier. This helps prevent mucus membranes from drying out, and can reduce irritation and make it easier to sleep. Saline nasal sprays also are helpful.
-Smoke irritates a sore throat. Don’t smoke when you’re sick, and avoid fumes from household cleaners and paint.
-Rest your voice. If your sore throat has affected your larynx, talking may lead to more irritation and laryngitis, a temporary loss of your voice.

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Source: Mayo Clinic

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Edited and compiled by Chuck Myers.

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(c) 2006, McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.