I am a pharmacist, and that's what I take for a sore throat

These soothing remedies are on the shelves of the pharmacy and in your kitchen.


As the weather becomes cooler and the days become shorter, it is the season for a variety ofMaltractedly causing diseases Like colds and flu. Although it is important to make sure that your sore throat is not a sign of something more serious, like a streptococcal infection, it is just as important to treat your discomfort. We contactedTessa Spencer, Pharmd, aFunctional medical specialist, for his advice on the best ways to ease a sore throat. Read the rest for its recommendations, which could already be in your pantry!

Read this then:If you feel that in your throat, check the cancer.

A sore throat is a symptom, not a disease.

Woman feeling sick, wrapped in a blanket and touching her throat.
Brothers91 / Istock
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Various conditions can cause a sore throat (also called pharyngitis).Simon Best, MD, told Johns Hopkins Medicine is aInflammation of the throat And makes it a symptom of something else, not a disease itself.

"It is generally caused by viral and / or bacterial infections, such as common colds and flu (the two viral infections) or by an infection by theStreptococcus bacteria (streptococcal throat), "says best." Pharyngitis can also occur with mononucleosis ("mono" aka), a viral infection. "He notes thatOther causes for sore throat Include allergies, dry indoor air, muscle tension andgastroesophageal reflux (Gerd).

"Viral infections generally do not require medication treatment, so I generally recommend a variety of over -the -counter treatments for adults with sore sore," said Spencer. "You can always use the treatment of over -the -counter symptoms for bacterial infections, but bacterial infections may requireThe need for antibiotics. ""

Consider these factors when choosing a sore throat medication.

Woman browsing the shelves of a pharmacy.
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Some of the pre -free Spencer's favorite treatments (OTC) for a sore throat includepopular analgesics Like ibuprofen (name marks: Advil or Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). When you choose between them, take into account your other symptoms. "If you have a fever on a sore throat, acetaminophen will be a better option, as it will also help reduce fever," said Spencer.

For throat pain due to the streptococcal throat, the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) suggests non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)like ibuprofen.

Another crucial factor in choosing an over -the -counter medication is whether you have other health problems that could potentially cause more harm than good. "Ibuprofen coulddo not be the best option For people with certain health problems,Like kidney problems"Said Goodrx, while tylenol can be harmful to the liver:" If you have liver problems, Tylenolmight not be safe for you."

These natural methods can relieve a sore throat.

Woman who is feeling sick drinking herbal tea.
AEGEANBLUE / ISTOCK

The relief of the pain of a sore throat does not necessarily require a trip to the pharmacy. Spencer also suggests drinking a herbal tea (whichOffer of other advantages, as well).

"One of my favorite plants based on people to recommend to people is the traditional medicinal throat of the plant -based coat throat," said Spencer. "It has a mixture of many different herbs like eucalyptus, liquorice root, green mint, marshmallow root and sliding elm bark to help soothe the throat bad." She recommends that people suffering from a sips sipping one to three cups of tea per day.

Other ways without drugs to help with a sore throat, including gargarerization with salt water and the addition of honey to your tea, or simply in the water. Spencer explains that honey contains a combination of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. "I generally tell people to mix two tablespoons of honey with a drink or hot water and to stir it well," she said, adding that this can be done several times a day. "However, I would recommend obtaining organic honey withWithout added sugar, because honey contains sugar. ""

A sore throat can be a sign of something more serious.

Doctor performing throat exam on patient.
Ljubaphoto / Istock

A sore throat can be incredibly painful, but when he doesbecome disturbing? "Less frequentCauses of sore throat might require more complex treatment, "prevents the webmd. They recommend contacting your medical supplier if you have a fever greater than 101 F, a bloody saliva or a phlegm, an ear pain orPain in your jointsand / or difficulty swallowing, breathing or opening your mouth.

A bump in the neck can also be worrying, although the Moffitt Cancer Center stresses that "the pieces of neck are often associated with higher respiratory infections, such as Streptococcal angina, andDo not always indicate The presence of cancer. These lumps are in fact lymph nodes that have temporarily expanded when they fight the infection, "said the site.

An additional sign of a serious condition As cancer can be a hoarse throat or difficulty swallowing that lasts two weeks or more, says the Cleveland Clinic.


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