Apart from being an embarrassing and uncomfortable experience, vomiting can also cause irritation of the mucous membranes of the throat. However, you don't have to face this kind of discomfort for long. There are several techniques you can apply to quickly and effectively deal with this problem, including simple remedies, over-the-counter medications, and natural remedies.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Coping With Discomfort with Simple Solutions
Step 1. Drink water or other clear liquid
Drinking a little water after vomiting can relieve throat discomfort and help prevent dehydration. Water can help get rid of the stomach acid residue that coats the throat when vomiting occurs.
- If the stomach condition has not improved, drink water slowly and not too much. In some cases, drinking too much or too quickly can trigger another episode of vomiting. A sore throat may make it difficult for you to drink. So, drink a little water to work around this.
- Alternatively, you can drink a small amount of apple juice or other clear liquid.
Step 2. Drink warm drinks
If water doesn't solve the problem, try drinking a warm drink, such as an herbal tea. Warm drinks like tea can soothe a sore throat if you sip them slowly. It's a good idea to consult your doctor before choosing herbal teas, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have diabetes, or have heart disease.
- Ginger tea can help relieve lingering nausea and soothe the throat, but don't give it to children under 2 years of age. You can also try peppermint tea, which can soothe and numb a sore throat. Do not take it if you have gastric reflux and do not give it to young children.
- Make sure the drink is not too hot. If you consume drinks that are too hot, the condition of the throat will worsen.
- Try adding honey to your hot drink. Honey, when added to tea, can help relieve a sore throat. However, do not give honey to children under 12 months of age because it can pose a risk of botulism.
Step 3. Gargle with warm salt water
Warm salt water can relieve a sore throat from vomiting. Salt water works by reducing inflammation and symptoms.
- To make a salt water mouthwash, mix 1 teaspoon of salt in 250 ml of warm water.
- Try not to swallow it. Salt water can make the stomach more uncomfortable.
Step 4. Eat soft foods
If you feel hungry after vomiting but have a sore throat, eat soft foods to relieve the pain and fill an empty stomach. Foods that do not contain harsh or itchy ingredients will be easier to swallow and help soothe a sore throat caused by stomach acid.
- Soft foods like jellies, popsicles, and bananas in small amounts can be good options for relieving a sore throat.
- Be careful if you want to eat after vomiting, especially if you still feel nauseous, because eating too much can make you throw up again. You may be tempted to eat cold, soft foods like yogurt or ice cream, but it's best to avoid dairy products if the vomiting episode hasn't gone away.
Method 2 of 4: Using Over-the-counter Drugs
Step 1. Use a special spray to relieve a sore throat
This product contains a local anesthetic that will temporarily reduce the pain in the throat. Follow the directions on the package for proper instructions for use.
You can get this product at pharmacies and supermarkets (in the pharmaceuticals section) without a doctor's prescription
Step 2. Sip the pastilles
Just like throat sprays, pastilles can also relieve sore throats because they contain a local anesthetic. Pastiles come in a variety of flavors and can be purchased at most pharmacies and major supermarkets.
- As with other over-the-counter medications, you must follow the correct directions for use when taking pastilles.
- Be aware that local anesthetics do not completely relieve pain. This method is only temporary.
Step 3. Take painkillers
Over-the-counter painkillers can help relieve many types of pain, including a sore throat that occurs after vomiting. However, make sure you no longer feel nauseous and the vomiting episode has ended before taking it because this medicine can worsen stomach conditions and make you more uncomfortable.
Some painkillers that can be used to treat a sore throat include acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin
Method 3 of 4: Using Natural Remedies
Step 1. Consult a doctor first
While many herbal remedies are not a problem for most people, don't assume that something natural is automatically safe to use. Herbs may interact with other medications you are taking, and some may worsen other medical conditions or pose a risk to some populations, such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly. You should always be careful and consult your doctor before trying herbal remedies.
Step 2. Gargle with licorice root
Licorice root should be boiled in water (not boiling) to make a mouthwash that can relieve your sore throat. Licorice root has been shown to reduce the discomfort caused by a sore throat after anesthesia. So, you can use it to relieve a sore throat from vomiting.
There are several medications that react with licorice root. Therefore, you should consult a doctor if you are taking medication for high blood pressure, kidney, liver, or heart disease
Step 3. Drink marshmallow root tea
This root has nothing to do with the fluffy white marshmallow candy. Marshmallow here is a plant with medicinal properties, including the ability to relieve sore throats.
- You can get marshmallow root tea at grocery stores that sell organic foods or online.
- Marshmallow root can also relieve stomach pain so that it can help overcome the cause of vomiting as well as relieve sore throat disorders after vomiting.
Step 4. Consume slippery elm
Slippery elm will coat the throat with a gel-like substance and can relieve pain. Slippery elm is usually sold in powder form or in candies. If you buy a powder, you must mix it with hot water before drinking it.
Slippery elm should not be consumed by pregnant or breastfeeding women
Method 4 of 4: Seeking Medical Help
Step 1. Know when to call your doctor
Vomiting and nausea may go away quickly, but there are some situations where you should call your doctor. Even mild cases of flu can have serious consequences if the sufferer is dehydrated. Call your doctor if you or your child experience any of the following symptoms:
- Unable to hold food or liquid in the stomach
- Vomiting more than three times a day
- Had a head injury before vomiting
- Haven't urinated for 6-8 hours
- For children under 6 years of age: vomiting lasts more than a few hours, has diarrhea, shows symptoms of dehydration, fever, or has not urinated for 4-6 hours
- For children over the age of 6 years: vomiting lasts more than 24 hours, has diarrhea and vomiting for more than 24 hours, has symptoms of dehydration, has a fever of more than 38.3 °C, or has not urinated for 6 hours
Step 2. Know when to call emergency services
In some cases, sufferers need immediate medical attention. Call 112 or the emergency services in your city if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- There is blood in the vomit (the blood looks bright red or looks like coffee grounds)
- Severe headache or stiff neck
- Lethargy, confusion, or decreased alertness
- Severe stomach ache
- Fast breathing or pulse
