Stan's Sore Throat Do's and Don'ts

Sore throats are a right misery – and coughing only makes them worse. What ever else you do, try to give your voice a rest – that means no shouting or singing “Covooooonia” for a few days!

Do:

  • Try gargling with warm salt water. Gargles should not be swallowed, but spat out after gargling is done. A teaspoonful of salt in a glass of warm water is traditionally used.
  • Have a warm (not hot) cup of tea or warm drinking chocolate to help relieve a sore throat by warming the irritated membranes.
  • Put a bowl of water near your radiator at night to keep the air humid and your throat lining moist.
  • Brush your tongue. Sometimes removing the build-up on your tongue can lessen the soreness in your throat.
  • Drink ice-cold drinks. Try filling a glass half-full of crushed ice; then pour fruit juice over the ice. Let it sit for 10 minutes, insert a straw and suck slowly, letting the juice rest a minute on the back of your throat.

Don’t:

  • Smoke if possible, as it will further irritate the lining of the throat.
  • Eat spicy foods, as these may make your throat worse.
  • Close your windows (fresh air is good for your immune system).

See your GP if:

  • A mild sore throat lasts for two weeks or more.
  • Pain does not improve after 3 or 4 days of treatment.
  • A sore throat is accompanied by:
    • - Pain on opening the mouth.
    • - Cough with blood stained sputum.
    • - Difficulty breathing.
    • - A skin rash.
    • - Swelling on one side of the throat with severe pain.
    • - Loss of appetite or severe fatigue.
    • - Hoarseness doesn’t improve with time or treatment.
    • - Severe joint pains, stiff neck and dislike of light.

Stan recommends: