Almost everyone has experienced this scenario. You are fine one day, but suddenly the throat starts to itch. Then, you start to wonder if you have a cold. How could a seemingly trivial itchy throat develop into a cold? There are many reasons behind this development, but by acting quickly, you can overcome the development and prevent colds.
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Method 1 of 3: Using Home Remedies
Step 1. Gargle with salt water
Warm salt water has the ability to melt the fatty coating that protects the cold-causing virus. Gargling several times a day will destroy the protection of the virus and relieve itchy throat and prevent progression to more severe.
- Gargle with mouth-watering warm salt water intensely.
- You can get rid of the virus that is stuck in the tonsils and adenoids by tapping your Adam's apple while gargling so that the liquid will seep down your throat.
- Note that the virus responsible for causing colds will first hit the tonsils and adenoids before spreading to other parts of the body. Tonsils and adenoids are the first line of defense against microorganisms that enter the body through the respiratory tract.
Step 2. Rest to help the body fight off the infection
Allow the body's tissues to regenerate while you rest to stop a sore throat from progressing to a cold. During sleep, the immune system releases cytokines, protein molecules that tell the cells of the immune system what to attack. Therefore, if you feel a bit sleepy because of the accompanying symptoms of a sore throat, sleep, don't fight it.
- Tissue maintenance, regeneration, and repair occur when you get enough rest and sleep.
- It is recommended to sleep at least 8 to 10 hours a day to help the body fight infection.
Step 3. Drink plenty of fluids
Drinking and getting enough fluids keeps the membrane that surrounds the throat moist and reduces the chance of developing a cold. The dry membrane is the ground for the virus to thrive and spread further to other parts of the body. So, the throat must remain moist so that the development of the virus can be stopped.
- In addition, drinking lots of water will also reduce the thickness of the secretions so that mucus can be expelled easily.
- Avoid sugary or caffeinated liquids as they will only make the symptoms worse. Instead, choose warm liquids (soup and tea).
- You can also suck on lozenges to moisten your throat.
Step 4. Breathe in the steam
Inhaling steam can relieve nasal congestion because steam exposes the nasal passages and throat to hot air. Hot air and humidity will thin the mucus in the throat and nasal passages, which in turn reduces the chances of infection in the body.
- For best results, you can add eucalyptus oil or a benzoin solution for a cooling effect.
- Hot shower is also good to try.
Step 5. Eat six small meals a day, and avoid foods that are difficult to swallow
It is better to eat six small meals a day than three large meals because large portions and foods that are difficult to swallow can make your throat sore even more. Soft foods such as cereals, soups, and so on will help avoid pain when swallowing because of their easy consistency.
Step 6. Try cold foods and drinks
Ice cream, cold drinks, and popsicles can relieve a sore throat. Cold drinks create a sense of relief in a sore throat. The reason is not yet known, but the mechanism may be psychological as cold temperatures can disguise the pain in the throat.
Step 7. Add vitamin C rich foods to your diet
Vitamin C boosts the immune system by improving the effectiveness of phagocytes, cells that can kill foreign substances by eating them. Make sure you get enough vitamin C every day by eating fruits and vegetables with every meal.
Examples of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C are oranges, blackberries, broccoli, cranberries, kale, lemons, and limes
Method 2 of 3: Using Medical Medicine
Step 1. Understand what medications will benefit your condition
The main goal of treating a sore throat is to reduce its signs and symptoms. Antibiotics are not the first treatment for a sore throat caused by a cold because they are not effective against most viral infections.
- Only when you have a long-term infection, such as strep throat, should you use antibiotic treatment.
- A sore throat is an indication that the body's natural defenses are at work against infection.
- The tonsils, or tonsils, at the back of the throat trap foreign substances and swell when a large amount of the trapped substance is added.
Step 2. Try over-the-counter medications
Over-the-counter medications can be used to reduce the signs and symptoms of a sore throat, and allow the immune system to fight off the infection. By reducing the symptoms of a sore throat, you can rest and fight infection more effectively.
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Take regular painkillers to relieve sore throat. Pain relievers work by blocking and blocking pain signals going to the brain.
Common pain relievers are ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen
Step 3. Look for antibiotics if you have a bacterial infection
If it is true that you have a bacterial infection, through tests and visits to the doctor, take the prescribed antibiotics. Antibiotics can help the body fight bacterial infections that are very difficult to fight with other drugs.
- Do not use antibiotics left over from other illnesses as they will not be effective if your sore throat is not due to a bacterial infection.
- Most sore throats are the result of a viral infection, and cannot be treated with antibiotics.
Method 3 of 3: Determining the Cause of Sore Throat
Step 1. Know the common causes of sore throat
Not all sore throats are caused by a cold, and often their development is unavoidable. If your sore throat is due to a viral infection, you can't stop it from progressing with antibiotics.
Step 2. Have a physical examination
Visit a doctor to find out the cause of your sore throat. The doctor will use a medical flashlight to assess the status of the throat, as well as the ear and nose canal. Neck palpation will also be performed to evaluate for swollen lymph nodes. The breathing pattern will also be checked with a stethoscope.
Step 3. Ask for a throat test
To find out if you have a bacterial infection, have your doctor test your throat secretions. A sample of the specimen will be taken from the back of the throat using a sterile cotton stick. The sample is then taken to the laboratory to be analyzed and identified for the presence of streptococcal bacteria.
- Test results can usually be received within a few minutes of specimen collection.
- A positive result indicates a bacterial infection while a negative result may mean a viral infection.
Step 4. Have a complete blood count (CBC) test
Blood samples will be taken to measure the number of different types of blood cells. This is to help determine which blood cell types are elevated, normal, or below average levels, and reveal whether the infection is caused by bacteria or viruses.
Step 5. Do an allergy test
Sore throats can be caused by an allergic reaction. Do this test to see if your sore throat is caused by an allergy. Allergy cases are usually referred to a specialist for further evaluation and more appropriate treatment.
