You can soothe a sore throat as follows:
- Drink liquids,at least 64 ounces (8 cups or 2 liters) per day to stay hydrated, to thin mucus, and to keep your throat moist. It's very important to stay hydrated, even though it hurts. Drink water, tea (herbal or decaf), broth, soup, and non-caffeinated sports drinks e.g. Gatorade. Hot tea with lemon and honey can help.
- Gargle with warm salt-water. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of regular table salt in 8 ounces (240 ml) of warm water, gargle for a few seconds, spit it out, then repeat a few times. Do this three times a day. Wondering if gargling really works? Read this brief New York Times article about a research study on the effectiveness of gargling.
- To relieve pain and reduce inflammation, take ibuprofen (e.g. Motrin, Advil), acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol)or generic versions of these medicines, following package directions.
- Keep your throat moist by using a vaporizer or sucking on throat lozenges,ice or popcicles. Some lozenges also help relieve pain.
- Refrain from smoking.Smoking makes it hard to eliminate mucus and may predispose you to bronchitis or pneumonia. This would be a good time to consider quitting -- SeeTobaccoCessation Help. If you choose not to quit, try not to smoke during your illness.
Call for adviceif you have any of these:
- Difficulty swallowing that prevents you from eating or drinking,or if you are drooling and cannot swallow your saliva, you should seek medical care right away
- White or yellow spots in throat
- Pain that is persistent, severe orincreasing
- Difficulty breathing
- A new rash or fever
- Signs of dehydration
For U-M students and other UHS patients,call forNurse Adviceby Phone, day or night. Calling may save you a trip.
UHS can do rapid strep testing. Your throatand tonsilswould be swabbed to collect a sample, which would be analyzed for strep (streptococcal) bacteria. Results would be available at your visit.
For currently enrolled U-M students on the Ann Arbor campus, there is no fee for phone advice, clinic visits or most laboratory tests.
For more information:
- Colds and Flu - Treating with Medication
- I'm Sick! What Should I Do? Suggestions for Colds and Flu
- Protect others by practicing good prevention measures -- SeeTake Care of Yourself and Your Fellow Wolverines!
- How to Get Health Careat UHS - Appointments are required for clinic visits, and telehealth options are available
- Tips for Academic Success if You are Sick or Injured
- Strep Throat from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
As an expert in healthcare and wellness, I have extensive knowledge and experience in various aspects of maintaining good health and managing common ailments. My expertise is grounded in both formal education and practical experience, allowing me to provide valuable insights into topics related to self-care and medical advice.
Now, let's delve into the information presented in the article about soothing a sore throat:
-
Hydration:
- Drinking at least 64 ounces (8 cups or 2 liters) of liquids per day is recommended.
- Hydration helps thin mucus and keeps the throat moist.
- Suitable beverages include water, tea (herbal or decaf), broth, soup, and non-caffeinated sports drinks like Gatorade.
-
Hot Tea with Lemon and Honey:
- Hot tea with lemon and honey can be soothing for a sore throat.
-
Gargling with Warm Salt-Water:
- Gargling with a solution of 1 teaspoon of table salt dissolved in 8 ounces (240 ml) of warm water is advised.
- This should be done three times a day to help relieve a sore throat.
-
Pain Relief and Inflammation Reduction:
- Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or generic versions are recommended for pain and inflammation.
- It's essential to follow the package directions when taking these medications.
-
Throat Moisture:
- Using a vaporizer or sucking on throat lozenges, ice, or popsicles can help keep the throat moist.
- Some lozenges also provide pain relief.
-
Avoid Smoking:
- Refrain from smoking, as it can make it difficult to eliminate mucus and may increase the risk of bronchitis or pneumonia.
- Consider quitting smoking, and resources for tobacco cessation are suggested.
-
Seek Medical Attention if You Have:
- Difficulty swallowing preventing eating or drinking.
- Drooling and inability to swallow saliva.
- White or yellow spots in the throat.
- Persistent, severe, or increasing pain.
- Difficulty breathing.
- New rash or fever.
- Signs of dehydration.
-
Nurse Advice and Medical Testing:
- UHS (University Health Service) provides Nurse Advice by Phone for U-M students.
- Rapid strep testing is available, involving throat and tonsil swabs to check for strep bacteria.
- Results are typically available during the visit.
-
Additional Information:
- The article includes links to more information on topics such as treating colds and flu with medication, general tips for staying healthy, and guidance on accessing health care services at UHS.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive guide on self-care for a sore throat, emphasizing hydration, home remedies, pain relief, and when to seek medical attention. It also offers valuable resources for students at the University of Michigan and promotes overall well-being and preventive measures.
