Simple Remedies for Sore Throat; Doctor's Tips

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A doctor from Harapan Kita Women and Children Hospital, Septarina Asri Setyawati, said sore throats can be caused by bacteria and viruses; in general, influenza viruses that may affect all ages, from toddlers to the elderly.

When having a cold or flu, mucus production increases in which traps viruses and germs. Not all mucus and other airway secretions can be expelled through the nose, but also through the throat and eventually causes inflammation.

“Coughing usually makes the air in the throat to become dry, which causes pain and discomfort,” said Septarina in an online discussion on Wednesday, September 9.

Sore throats can also be triggered by bad habits, such as smoking or drinking alcohol. Passive smokers, people with allergies, comorbidities, GERD, sinusitis, and HIV, as well as exposure to chemicals, may also cause irritation in the throat.

The symptoms include itching and trouble swallowing, fever, cough, runny nose, and swollen lymph.

Septarina said it is better to increase water intake as the first home-care strategy. “Water moisturizes the throat area so that eases inflammation or irritation,” she said, adding that cold water is also permissible.

“Coldwater gives a numb effect and the pain eventually goes away. But warm water mixed with honey and lemon is recommended as it is anti-inflammatory,” she added.

Another simple treatment to deal with sore throats is avoiding smoking cigarettes, gargling with salt water, and eating warm food or soup. “You may consume throat lozenges that contain menthol, peppermint, or eucalyptus,” said Septarina.

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