Although uncomfortable and painful, throat infections are quite common. This infection can make it difficult for you to swallow due to the swelling and pain that accompanies it. In some cases, tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils), as well as ear and neck pain may also occur. Throat infections can be experienced by both adults and children, and are caused by viruses or bacteria. To overcome this, try using medically proven ways and home remedies.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Using Proven Treatments
Step 1. Use paracetamol (Panadol) or ibuprofen (Ifen) to reduce fever and relieve pain
Paracetamol has the effect of reducing fever and relieving pain so it is beneficial for both viral and bacterial infections.
- Free paracetamol can be obtained in tablet dosage form of 500 mg.
- One or two paracetamol tablets may be taken every 4 hours to reduce fever, as long as it does not exceed 4 doses or 3 grams in a 24 hour period.
- Common paracetamol brands on the market include Panadol, Sanmol, Bodrex, and Tempra.
- Ibuprofen is available in a dose of 200 mg and can be purchased over the counter.
- One or two ibuprofen tablets can be taken every 4 hours, as long as you don't exceed 4 doses in a 24-hour period.
- The use of ibuprofen can sometimes cause stomach upset in children and adults. So, it's best to take ibuprofen after meals.
- Paracetamol and ibuprofen usually have no side effects. However, some people are allergic to the ingredients contained in it. So, make sure you don't have a history of allergies to paracetamol, ibuprofen, or other ingredients in the preparation.
Step 2. Try using lozenges to reduce minor throat irritation
Lozenges containing benzocaine, phenol, and lidocaine can be purchased over the counter to treat minor irritations in the throat. This drug has the effect of temporarily numbing the sensation in the throat.
- Suck the tablet like a candy until it dissolves in the mouth. Do not swallow the tablet in its entirety.
- The number of lozenges you can take within 24 hours will be told by your doctor. However, never use more than 2 lozenges at the same time.
- Do not give lozenges to children under 3 years of age.
Step 3. Use antibiotics to treat a bacterial throat infection
About 10% of throat infections in adults and slightly more in children, are caused by bacteria and require antibiotic treatment.
- If the test results show you are positive for Streptococcus bacteria, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics to use for 7-10 days.
- To speed healing and prevent the formation of pus in the tonsils, antibiotic therapy should be given one or two days after the onset of the disease.
- Your symptoms should begin to subside 3-4 days after taking the antibiotic.
- If your throat infection recurs more than 6 times a year, your doctor may recommend a tonsillectomy.
- To relieve pain, fever, and swelling, the treatment given is similar to the treatment of viral infections, namely using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Step 4. Use oral penicillin V to fight bacterial infections
Your doctor may prescribe an oral (swallowed) penicillin V branded Amoxil, Bactocil, or Pfizerpen.
- Penicillin V can kill bacteria and inhibit their growth in the body.
- The doctor will determine the preparation of antibiotics, namely capsules, tablets, or liquid.
- Your doctor will also prescribe the right dose for you.
- For children, amoxicillin will usually be prescribed instead of penicillin V because the taste of amoxicillin suspension is easier for children to accept than penicillin V.
- Continue taking penicillin V for up to 10 full days as prescribed by your doctor, even if your symptoms begin to improve after the 4th or 5th day. The use of antibiotics as prescribed will ensure that all harmful bacteria in the throat are completely eliminated.
- Stopping the use of antibiotics before your condition improves will allow bacteria to survive in your body and develop into drug-resistant strains.
- Generally, amoxicillin or penicillin can be taken either after meals or on an empty stomach.
Step 5. Use the drug in the right dose to get the desired effect
Penicillin or amoxicillin liquid preparations must be measured with a dropper or measuring cup provided in the drug package, and should not be measured with a tablespoon because it is less accurate.
- Usually antibiotics should be taken 4 times a day or every 6 hours.
- Do not use more than 4 doses of antibiotics in a 24 hour period.
- Adults, adolescents, and children weighing more than 40 kg are usually prescribed capsules, oral suspension, or antibiotic tablets at a dose of 250-500 mg every 8 hours.
- The dose of antibiotics for infants aged 3 months or older, as well as children weighing less than 40 kg will be determined by weight by the pediatrician.
- The prescribed dose of penicillin V for adults and adolescents is usually 200,000-500,000 units every 6-8 hours.
- For children, penicillin V is usually prescribed in a dose of 100,000-250,000 units every 6-8 hours according to body weight.
Step 6. Have a tonsillectomy for chronic and severe sore throat
Tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of the tonsils to treat chronic infections.
- This procedure includes major surgery, although it only takes about 30 minutes.
- You have to register yourself at the hospital and prepare yourself in the operating room.
- Next, you will be given general anesthesia so that you can sleep and feel no pain at all.
- The tonsillectomy method most often used by surgeons is called a "cold knife steel dissection". In this procedure the tonsils are removed or cut with a scalpel.
- When you wake up, you will be in the recovery room. During recovery, your blood pressure and heart rate will be monitored by medical personnel.
- Most patients can go home on the same day.
- The recovery period usually lasts for about 2 weeks. During this time, you may experience post-tonsillectomy pain.
Step 7. Rest and give your body time to recover
During a throat infection, you should rest in bed so that your body has time and energy to fight off the disease.
- Stopping strenuous activity allows the body to restore the throat.
- When you are completely rested, your immune system will be stronger, increasing your chances of fighting off bacteria and viruses.
Step 8. Drink cold liquids to relieve inflammation
Cold liquids such as cold water or iced tea can help relieve inflammation and irritation in the throat.
Remember that in the first 2-3 days of a throat infection, cold drinks are better than hot teas
Step 9. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
Drinking water or other fluids can help keep your throat moist and hydrate your body.
- Water can also help flush infection out of the body. You can drink at least 1 liter of water every hour while you are sick.
- If you don't like drinking water, add a slice of lemon and a spoonful of honey to taste.
- Make sure to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water every day.
Step 10. Quit smoking to reduce irritation
Smoking has been shown to be directly related to throat infections and irritation. Quitting smoking can help avoid throat infections.
Getting rid of smoke and dry mouth can help moisturize the tissues and relieve the infection
Step 11. Avoid air pollution
Try to protect yourself from pollution so that your throat doesn't get inflamed during an infection.
- Air pollution levels reach their highest in the midday and late afternoon. So, try to organize your activities outdoors in the morning or evening.
- As much as possible, avoid walking or cycling in traffic jams with heavy vehicle fumes.
- Consider wearing a mask to protect your lungs from air pollution.
Method 2 of 2: Using Unproven Treatments
Step 1. Gargle with salt water to relieve sore throat
Gargle with salt water to remove bacteria or viruses that are in the throat.
- Prepare a large glass, pour about 250 ml of warm water into it.
- Next, add 1-2 tablespoons of salt, and stir until dissolved.
- Tilt your head, drink a small amount of saline solution and gargle vigorously.
- Tap your Adam's apple to release the infection in the throat.
- Repeat this step until the saline solution is used up, and your throat pain and irritation has subsided.
- You can gargle with a saline solution twice a day.
Step 2. Drink apple cider vinegar to kill bacteria
Another great home remedy is to drink a cup of warm apple cider vinegar tea to destroy and kill the bad bacteria.
- Mixing apple cider vinegar into your drink or using it to rinse your mouth can help reduce infections and throat irritation.
- Just mix 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and a cup of warm water, then drink it as often as you want.
Step 3. Make a mixture of lime and lemon juice
Lime and lemon juices have the same antibacterial properties as apple cider vinegar, so they can also help you deal with infections in your throat.
- Drinking lime and lemon juice can help get rid of bad bacteria in the throat.
- You can mix a tablespoon of honey and a tablespoon of lemon or lime juice with a cup of warm water, then drink it several times a day.
Step 4. Use a steam treatment to moisten the tissue in the throat
To do this, keep a large bowl of hot water on the table.
- Sit in front of the bowl with your face up. Place a towel over your head to trap any escaping hot steam.
- Breathe in the warm steam escaping from the hot water.
- This steam will moisturize and clean the delicate tissue lining your nose, mouth and throat.
Step 5. Humidify the air to avoid throat irritation
Use a humidifier or steam bowl to humidify your room.
- This can help prevent throat irritation from getting worse by eliminating the infection.
- Bacterial and viral infections thrive in dry air. So, try to humidify the room air using a cold air humidifier.
- To keep the air clean, be sure to clean the humidifier filter regularly.
Step 6. Eat a diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals to help the body fight infection
Foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals will strengthen the body's immune system so that it can fight infections more effectively.
- Eating fruits and vegetables regularly will help the body recover from infection.
- Eat fruits rich in vitamin C such as oranges and lemons.
Step 7. Drink a mixture of honey and lemon juice to relieve throat irritation
Honey has antibacterial and antifungal properties. In addition, honey has also been shown to suppress coughs. Mix raw honey and fresh lemon juice (preferably squeezed straight from the lemon, not bottled lemon juice) in equal proportions to form a syrup. You can warm this mixture and drink it straight, or add it to hot tea.
