How to get rid of Sore Throats
Sore throats are very painful and can be treated with some over the counter medications or home remedies. There are some very important signs and symptoms to watch out for that indicate if you can self-treat or if you must see a doctor. This information is discussed in the video as well as safety tips, non-pharmacological treatments, over the counter treatments, and when it is appropriate to see your doctor.
Treatments:
1. Acetaminophen (See my other video on dosing and side effects of Tylenol/Acetaminophen)
2. NSAIDS (Ibuprofen) (See my other video on dosing and side effects of Ibuprofen)
3. Local anesthetics come in many forms such as: lozenges, troches, mouthwashes, and sprays (benzocaine, phenol, menthol, dyclonine hydrochloride, pectin) some products contain antiseptics (cetylpyridinium chloride, hexylresorcinol) Just ask the pharmacist if you need help deciding what to use when you are at the store. If symptoms are not relieved or worsens, or if a headache or fever develops a doctor should be consulted.
a. These work by blocking nerve transmission from noxious stimuli that activate peripheral nerves.
Tips
1. Benzocaine and dyclonine may numb your mouth and tongue. Try not to eat or drink until these effects go away due to the increase risk for aspiration.
2. When drinking hot liquids, let it cool down to prevent further irritation to the throat.
3. Avoid Spicy Foods
Non-Pharmacological Treatments
For these treatments there is no scientific evidence I can back these alternatives for you but I will list what I have found, I cannot recommend these to you but you can try them at your own risk:
1. Lemon Tea, Green tea or Herbal Tea (Careful with Drug Interactions, Blood Thinners)
2. Lemon juice mixed with Honey.
3. Mix Ginger with Lem oron Juice.
4. Warm Water, soups, increase fluid intake.
5. Gargle with Salty Water with a few drops of Lemon Juice several times a day (do not swallow)
a. 1 tsp of salt dissolved in 8 fl oz of warm water.
6. Heat up apple juice or orange juice with some honey.
7. Vaporizer or humidifier
Do not self-treat and seek medical attention if:
1. The sore throat is severe, lasts more than several days, associated with a persistent fever, nausea, vomiting, or headache.
2. When trying to self-treat, symptoms worsen.
3. Bacterial infections develop such as thick nasal or respiratory secretions that are yellowish-green. You have a fever higher than 101.5 F, chest congestion, wheezing, rash, significant ear pain, or shortness of breath.
4. You have an underlying chronic cardiopulmonary disease such as asthma, COPD, CHF.
5. AIDs or chronic immunosuppressant therapy
6. Infants under the age of 9 months
7. You have a hypersensitivity to recommended over the counter medications.
Children should see a doctor if:
1. Difficulty breathing or swallowing
2. Unusual drooling, indicates inability to swallow.
Adults should see a doctor if:
1. Joint pain
2. Blood in saliva or phlegm
3. Frequently recurring sore throats
4. A lump in your neck
5. Hoarseness lasting more than 2 weeks.
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Disclaimer:
Please do not self treat without consulting a medical professional. This video provides basic information about medications and should be used for education purposes only. It should not be used as a tool to self diagnose and treat.
References:
1. Mackowiak, Elaine. Essentials of Nonprescription Medication and Devices. Pharmaceutical Press. Copyright 2010.
2. APhA. Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs 15th Edition. Copyright 2006.
3. Sore throats. American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery. http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/soreThroats.cfm. Accessed November 11, 2010.
4. Information from your family doctor. Sore throat. American Family Physician. 2006;74:1185.
5. HIV/AIDS and oral health. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/HIV/. Accessed November 11, 2010.
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