Sore throat remedies to help you through the day
Most of us have experienced it. That dry, scratchy feeling or redness at the back of your throat. Perhaps it feels painful to swallow or you might have a mild cough. These are all possible signs of a sore throat caused by an irritation or infection.
We’re here to offer some tips to help you manage your symptoms at home or with the help of a pharmacist.
Ask your pharmacist about:
Strepsils Honey and Lemon Lozenges
When you have a sore throat, try Strepsils Honey & Lemon Lozenges. They contain 2,4-Dichlorobenzyl alcohol and Amylmetacresol, two gentle antiseptics that help treat mouth and throat infections. As you suck the lozenge, the ingredients get to work in 5 minutes right where it hurts, killing germs, easing the soreness, and helping to soothe and moisten your throat for relief of up to 2 hours. They’re suitable for adults and children over 6 years of age.
Strefen Direct Cherry and Mint Flavour Oromucosal Spray
This on-the-go throat spray starts to ease sore throat symptoms from just 5 minutes after use, whilst providing relief for up to 6 hours after a single dose. The active ingredient, flurbiprofen with pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, helps to reduce sore throat pain, ease difficulty swallowing and throat swelling providing relief, right where it’s needed. Strefen Direct Cherry and Mint Flavour Oromucosal Spray is suitable for adults from 18 years of age.
Eat a balanced diet
As we age, our immune system naturally changes, and these changes can be made worse by things like poor diet. A weakened immune system can make people more likely to get infections like colds or the flu. To stay healthy, the immune system needs enough energy and nutrients, especially vitamins and minerals (called micronutrients). Eating a variety of foods from different food groups can help provide nutrients and taking the right supplements for your age and needs may help support a balanced diet and a healthy immune system which can reduce how often you get sick.
Be mindful of your surroundings
Research shows that indoor air pollution, including damp in the home and smoking indoors, can put people (particularly children) at higher risk of sore throat and infections. Avoiding smoking indoors and improving indoor pollution can help protect the family’s health.
Get enough rest
When studying the benefits of sleep, a study has found that people who have less than the recommended amount of sleep (6 hours or less), have a higher risk of getting sick. In contrast, adults who get a normal amount of sleep (around 7 to 9 hours a night) are better protected from infections. Although catching an illness isn’t always avoidable, getting adequate rest may help you reduce the risk of sore throat caused by infections and to help fight the illnesses like colds, that can cause sore throat.
Stay hydrated
Having an uncomfortable, sore throat can sometimes prevent people from drinking enough fluids, which could lead to dehydration. Drinking water helps you stay hydrated and can soothe an uncomfortable sore throat. Sucking on ice cubes or ice lollies can also be soothing and hydrating. Home-made remedies such as gargling salty water can help to relieve throat pain.
When to see a doctor
Should your symptoms last longer than a week, or you often get a sore throat, you should speak to a doctor. If you’re worried about your sore throat, have a high temperature or feel hot and shivery, or you have a weakened immune system (for example, you have diabetes or are receiving cancer treatment) you should ask for an urgent appointment with a GP or call 111.
This article is for general information only and not intended as a substitute for medical advice. All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. In all health-related matters, always consult your healthcare professional. Always read the product label. Use only as directed. Incorrect use could be harmful. If symptoms persist consult your healthcare professional.