Many people suffer from a sore and itchy throat during allergy season or because of the flu. Fortunately, there are many remedies, natural and medical, to relieve these discomforts quickly and effectively.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use natural remedies
Step 1. Gargle with salt water
Mix half a teaspoon of salt and 250 ml of lukewarm water. Sip the mixture and gargle for 10 seconds, then spit it out. Do not swallow this mixture!
- The salt will help loosen excess mucus (which may be causing your itchiness) and reduce inflammation.
- Repeat this 2-3 times a day, until your throat is better.
Step 2. Consume honey
Honey is a fantastic natural remedy because it coats the walls of the throat and provides quick relief from itching. For best results, consume a tablespoon of honey every morning.
- Preferably use pure, local honey, which will help you resist allergies better.
- If you don't like pure honey, you can mix a tablespoon of it into your tea.
- Never give honey to children under 12 months of age, as the bacteria it contains can cause an infection called “infant botulism” which can be life-threatening.
Step 3. Prepare an infusion of ginger, lemon and honey
Pour a small amount of honey into the bottom of a mug and fill it with hot water.
- Then squeeze one to three lemon wedges in this water. Finally, add a little grated ginger and mix.
- Drink this preparation several times during the day to relieve your throat.
Step 4. Drink milk with turmeric
Turmeric mixed with milk is a natural remedy that has been used for a very long time to relieve an itchy throat.
- Before going to bed, boil a cup of milk in a saucepan and add a spoonful of turmeric to it (if you prefer, you could also mix the turmeric with water).
- Before drinking it, let the drink cool slightly. Drink this drink every night until your itching is gone.
Step 5. Drink apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is used in many home remedies and has many health benefits. It helps, among other things, to relieve itchy throat.
- Mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 250 ml of water and sip gently.
- To soften the taste of this mixture, you can also add a tablespoon of honey.
Step 6. Try the horseradish
In Russia, a horseradish drink is prepared to relieve a sore throat.
- In a glass, mix a tablespoon of pure horseradish (the plant, not the sauce) with a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of ground cloves.
- Fill the glass with hot water, stirring to dissolve the horseradish mixture, then drink slowly.
Step 7. Use a humidifier
Living or sleeping in a very dry environment can dry out the throat and cause itching.
- Place a humidifier in your bedroom or living room to moisten the air and relieve your itching.
- If you don't want to invest in a humidifier, you can achieve the same results by placing a large container of water near a heater or by arranging plants in your room.
Step 8. Drink more water
Dehydration is one of the primary causes of an itchy throat. Indeed, when your throat is dry, it lacks mucus to lubricate and protect sensitive tissues.
- Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, and drink plenty of green tea and herbal teas as well.
- Drinking water is especially important when you have a cold or the flu, as you tend to lose a lot of fluid through sweat (due to fever) and phlegm (when you blow your nose).
Method 2 of 3: Protect your throat
Step 1. Lose your bad habits
Several substances can cause dehydration and lead to sore and itchy throat when consumed too frequently.
- Drinks containing caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and soda promote dehydration (and affect your sleep). Try to limit or stop your consumption of these drinks.
- Drugs and certain medications (such as antidepressants) can also be responsible for dehydration and throat irritation.
- Smoking is also very bad for the throat and can cause itching and irritation (as well as many other health problems). Then try to quit smoking or limit your tobacco consumption.
Step 2. Protect your voice
Talking too much, yelling or singing can overwork the throat and make it itchy.
- If you think this is where your itchiness is coming from, try resting your voice (don't speak, shout, sing) for at least one to two hours each day.
- If you use your voice a lot at work, remember to always carry water with you, so you can lubricate your throat and stay hydrated throughout the day.
Step 3. Manage your allergies
An allergic reaction to a food, plant, or pollen can cause symptoms such as runny eyes, sneezing, congestion, and itchy throat.
- Try to take an antihistamine daily to see if it relieves your symptoms.
- Also try to pinpoint the cause of your allergy by writing down everything you eat or seeing a doctor for an allergy test.
Method 3 of 3: Use non-prescription drugs
Step 1. Suck on throat lozenges
Throat lozenges will not really heal your throat. However, they will still relieve the itching and pain.
- The extra saliva you produce while sucking on the candy will lubricate your throat and relieve your itching.
- At the same time, the components of the lozenges will act as a local anesthetic which will reduce irritation in your throat.
Step 2. Take antihistamines
Antihistamines block histamine, a natural amine that causes irritation in the throat. There are many brands of medicines that produce antihistamines that can give you relief, talk to your pharmacist or doctor.
Antihistamines sometimes have side effects, usually headaches, dizziness, and the mouth becomes dry
Step 3. Get yourself a pain reliever
Pain relievers, also called pain relievers (such as ibuprofen or aspirin) can reduce the feeling of irritation. Follow the directions and dosage.
Aspirin should never be given to children or teenagers who are recovering from symptoms of the flu or chickenpox, as it can lead (in rare cases, but can be fatal) to Reye's syndrome
Step 4. Use a throat spray
Throat sprays are a good way to relieve an itchy throat and dry coughs. They usually contain phenol (or a similar ingredient) which will numb your throat.
- Throat sprays are available without a prescription at most drugstores and are relatively inexpensive.
- Some throat sprays even come in several scents, like mint or strawberry.
Step 5. Gargle with mouthwash
Gargling twice a day with a mouthwash containing menthol (like Listerine) might be enough to numb your throat and relieve your itching.
Step 6. See your doctor
Throat irritation can be treated with common remedies in most cases, but if symptoms persist for more than 10 days, worsen, or are accompanied by high fever, see your doctor. If you make wheezing while breathing or have trouble breathing, sweating face, hives, fever, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing, see your doctor immediately. These symptoms can signal a serious problem.
- Irritation of the throat may indicate an allergic reaction to a drug or food. The reaction can occur a few minutes or several hours after ingestion and the problem can be life threatening.
- When the throat is sore or itchy, it could be a sign of a viral infection that needs a doctor's attention, such as sore throat, the flu, or tonsillitis.
- Sometimes the irritation in the throat is from heartburn or from side effects of medications like ACE inhibitors for blood pressure.
Warnings
- Pregnant women and people with respiratory problems should avoid throat sprays.
- If you have had problems with certain non-prescription medicines in the past, check with your doctor before taking any medicine for your throat.
- Even if your sore or itchy throat is extreme, do not exceed the prescribed doses of medication and never swallow the salt and water solution you are gargling with.