TIPS FOR SORE THROATS

If you’re reading this, we’re guessing you’ve got a sore throat… 

Sore throats are one of the most common symptoms when suffering from cold and flu, and other viruses such as tonsillitis or strep throat. Sore throats are painful, uncomfortable, and swallowing can be challenging, while coughing or talking can make them worse. Our guide offers practical tips to help your sore throat, its causes, remedies and treatments, so you can relieve yours with Covonia.

 

A sore throat is an inflammation or irritation of the throat, also known as the pharynx, causing pain or a scratchy sensation. This can make it harder to carry on with daily activities such as work (especially if you lose your voice) or exercise, as it requires you to breathe through your mouth.

You might sometimes see redness, swelling or white patches accompanying your sore throat, which is a sign of infection. Many sore throats can be short-lived, while some might need medical attention depending on the cause.

 

Pain is the most common sore throat symptom, but your throat can also feel:

• Tender or sore
• Scratchy
• Dry
• Irritated or raw
• Burning
• Swollen
• Tight

You may also experience other symptoms alongside your sore throat, such as:

• Blocked nose

• A cough

• Bad breath

• Swollen glands or tonsils

• Fever or chills

• Body aches 

• Tiredness

• Loss of appetite 

These will depend on what is causing your sore throat, and knowing this can help you treat it more effectively.

 

Knowing the reason behind your sore throat can help you treat the underlying cause while addressing symptoms.

VIRAL INFECTIONS

The majority are caused by viruses from colds and the flu. These usually resolve themselves within a week to ten days and don't require a trip to the GP.

TREATMENT

Covonia All-in-One Oral Solution helps to treat 5 symptoms of cold and flu, including sore throats. As it helps to calm your cough, it can give your throat a break from irritation. The All-in-One Oral Solution also includes paracetamol for pain relief.

 

LIFESTYLE HABITS

Smoking, including secondhand smoking, excessive shouting, not drinking enough water and alcohol consumption can all contribute to a sore throat.

TREATMENT

Consider trying to quit smoking; this can provide additional health benefits, too, reducing alcohol consumption if you’re a heavy drinker and resting your voice if you have a sore throat from overuse. Ensure you drink enough water to stay hydrated. You can also try a homemade hot honey and lemon to soothe a mild sore throat.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Environmental factors such as dry or cold air, pollution, and allergies can cause irritation, leading to a sore throat.

TREATMENT

First, it is essential to identify what you are allergic to, as there may be prescribed medication available to help. 

For allergies that don’t require medication, or the medication does not provide relief from a sore throat, non-medicated Double Impact Cough Drops warm your mouth and throat while releasing powerful menthol vapours to coat and soothe your throat from environmental factors.

BACTERIAL INFECTIONS

Bacterial infections such as tonsillitis, glandular fever and strep throat can contribute to a painful, irritated throat.

TREATMENT

If you think you may be suffering from one of these illnesses, please see a medical professional (like your GP) who will examine you, take a swab and decide on the right course of treatment for you. To help your sore throat and manage these symptoms, Covonia Sore Throat Oromucosal Spray contains local anaesthetic lidocaine, which numbs the throat while fighting the infection. 

Covonia Medicated Sore Throat Lozenges contain an antiseptic to help combat the infection caused by bacteria in the throat, as well as a local painkiller to reduce irritation.

VOMITING 

Vomiting from illness can aggravate the throat and cause discomfort. See a GP if you are experiencing vomiting that lasts for more than 24 hours or have other worrying symptoms. 

TREATMENT

Home remedies such as gargling salt water, taking a hot shower and drinking a hot lemon and honey drink can help calm throat irritation caused by vomiting. This can also help with dehydration from lost fluids.

OTHER SORE THROAT REMEDIES

Other ways to help tackle a sore throat include:

• Take over-the-counter painkillers – paracetamol and ibuprofen can ease the pain and discomfort associated with a sore throat

• Put a bowl of water near your radiator at night – this can help keep the air humid and your throat lining moist

• Brush your tongue – sometimes removing the build-up of bacteria on your tongue can lessen the soreness in your throat

• Drink ice-cold drinks – use a straw to drink these slowly, letting the drink rest at the back of your throat for a few seconds to ease any pain

• Rest up – your body is fighting an illness, so it’s important to take it easy and rest as much as possible until you feel better

 

WHAT TO AVOID WITH A SORE THROAT

If you want to fast-track your recovery from a sore throat, there are a few things you should avoid:

• Smoking – this can further irritate the linings of the nose and throat

• Eating spicy foods – these may make symptoms worse

• Eating acidic foods – citrus foods, dairy and pickled foods can further irritate your throat, so avoid these until you feel better

• Alcohol – this can cause a stinging sensation in your throat and make you dehydrated

• Closing your windows – fresh air is good for your immune system