Singers, speakers, actors, or anyone who uses their voice a lot will understand the importance of clearing the throat to remove mucus from the throat for a strong, clear sound. If you have a stuffy throat, there are over-the-counter medications and home remedies that can help clear your throat.
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Part 1 of 3: Trying Home Treatments
Step 1. Meet the body's fluid needs
If your throat is runny, fluids can help. Fluids can help soften mucus so that it is easier to expel from the body.
- Try to drink about 8 glasses of water every day. If you have a sore throat, you may need to increase your fluid intake slightly. Carbonated water may help with an itchy throat.
- Avoid consumption of fruit juices and soda. The added sugar content in it can further irritate the throat. If you want to enjoy a liquid other than water, choose a sports drink or fresh fruit juice that uses only natural sugars.
- Milk and dairy products are believed to increase phlegm production, but this is not supported by scientific evidence. While they can thicken phlegm and irritate your throat even more, dairy products can also be soothing and a great source of calories when you have trouble swallowing.
Step 2. Try honey and lemon
Honey and lemon can also help soothe the throat. Try adding a squeeze of lemon and a teaspoon of honey to a glass of cold water or tea. This herb can not only help clear up phlegm, but it can also relieve any pain or irritation you are experiencing.
Step 3. Eat spicy food
Spicy foods can often thin phlegm, making it easier to expel when you blow your nose, cough, or sneeze. Chilies, peppers, wasabi, radishes, or other spicy dishes can help soothe your throat.
Step 4. Drink herbal tea
Some people find herbal teas to help soothe the throat. Try different types of herbal teas and see how they affect your throat.
- Chamomile, ginger, and lemon teas are most often said to be able to clear blockages.
- Some people find green tea soothing to the throat. Try adding honey or lemon to green tea to enhance the effect.
Step 5. Choose healthy foods for your voice
Some foods are good for the voice and can help clear the throat. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables contain vitamins A, E, and C that can help clear mucus from the throat. If you have a sore or sore throat, try eating soft foods until the irritation improves.
Part 2 of 3: Using Over-the-counter Drugs
Step 1. Use a phlegm-thinning medication
Sputum-thinning medications such as guaifenesin (Mucinex) can reduce phlegm that causes coughing and throat irritation. If you're trying to clear your throat, look for this remedy at your local convenience store or pharmacy. Use the medicine according to the instructions on the package. If you are concerned that over-the-counter medications may interact with prescription drugs you are taking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Step 2. Use a saline spray for the nose
Saline sprays and nasal drops can be purchased over-the-counter at local pharmacies. This remedy is quite effective at getting rid of mucus and other throat irritants.
- Use drops or spray according to the instructions on the package. Consult your doctor or pharmacist your questions.
- If using a nasal irrigation system that requires you to spray water into your nose, be sure to always use sterile water. Microorganisms in tap water can enter the brain through the nose and cause serious health problems and even death.
Step 3. Try using prescription medication if your throat hurts
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen can relieve pain from a sore throat. This medicine can reduce symptoms such as coughing or sneezing that will worsen the blockage in the throat. As always, always ask your doctor or pharmacist your questions about medications.
Part 3 of 3: Changing Your Lifestyle
Step 1. Quit smoking
If you smoke, try to quit. Smoking is bad for your health in general, it also makes you more susceptible to throat infections such as bronchitis and strep throat. In addition, smoking can also cause general damage to the throat and vocal cords, causing the throat to feel uncomfortable and congested. Talk to your doctor about ways to quit smoking.
Cigarettes also carry carcinogens that can trigger cancer
Step 2. Purchase a humidifier
Dry environmental conditions often cause throat irritation. Consider buying a humidifier if you live in a dry area. Turning on a humidifier during the day or night can increase the humidity in your home and reduce throat irritation.
Step 3. Avoid imposing sound
If you are prone to throat irritation, pay attention to how you speak. Forcing a voice can cause a sore throat and phlegm buildup.
- If your throat is irritated, try to avoid coughing. Coughing too often can actually make the infection worse. If necessary, use over-the-counter cough suppressants or lozenges to relieve the irritation that triggers the cough.
- Avoid yelling, exclaiming, or cheering. If you work in a field that requires you to be loud, try to give your voice a break at the end of the day. Speak slowly and try not to raise your voice.
Step 4. Don't clear your throat too often
Coughing, sneezing, or trying to clear your throat can sometimes give your throat some relief. However, if you do it too often when your throat hurts, it can cause irritation and potentially prolong the duration of your symptoms. If you're tempted to clear your throat, consider buying an over-the-counter lozenge at the pharmacy to give your throat some relief.
Step 5. Avoid alcohol and caffeine
Both alcohol and caffeine can increase dehydration. As a result, the throat becomes dry and irritated. Try to avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages. For men, limit alcohol intake to two drinks a night. As for women, try to consume only one drink.
Step 6. Seek medical attention
A sore or stuffy throat is usually nothing to worry about and should go away on its own. However, if your throat is blocked for more than two weeks, see a doctor to make sure there is no underlying medical condition.
