A Pharmacist Can Help With Sore Throats
You can ask a pharmacist about ways of relieving the pain and discomfort of a sore throat, such as:
- medicated lozenges containing a local anaesthetic, antiseptic, or anti-inflammatory medicine
- anaesthetic spray
You can buy these treatments from a supermarket or from a pharmacist without a prescription.
Effective Strep Throat Home Remedies
- Use a mortar & pestle to mash up 3 cloves of fresh garlic . If the raw garlic is too hot for you or youre concerned about the odor potential, use homemade pickled garlic instead. Do not use commercial pickled garlic as it has no therapeutic value.
- Mix in half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper .
- Mix in raw honey to taste which has healing properties of its own.
Martin also gargled with raw apple cider vinegar diluted with some water 3x per day . Although Martin didnt use it, adding small cups of bone broth to the regimen would have helped speed healing as well.
Note that some people like to gargle with colloidal silver, which also works well. However, note that this remedy will kill the good bacteria in your throat area as well as the bad, potentially contributing to more problems down the road from unbalanced mouth, throat, and sinuses flora.
Below is Martins daily journal logging his progress to a cure.
Try Using Essential Oils
Essential oils help reduce strep throat infection, like peppermint, lemon or thyme. Peppermint oil is a great essential oil for a sore throat. It reduces swelling in the throat, which is why its often used for the treatment of respiratory infections. It causes a cooling sensation and a calming effect on the body because it has menthol. Add 1-2 drops of peppermint oil to a glass of water or to your toothpaste to use it internally. For topical use, apply 1-2 drops to your throat, chest and temples.
Thyme oil supports the immune and respiratory systems, making it one of the best strep throat home remedies. A study conducted in 2011, published in Medicinal Chemistry involved testing thyme oils response to 120 strains of bacteria, taken from patients with infections of genitourinary tracts, oral cavity and respiratory. Results showed strong activity against all clinical strains. It also showed effectiveness to resist antibiotic-resistant strains. You can use thyme oil as a mouthwash by adding 2 drops to water and gargling.
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Experts Answers For Readers Questions
How long does strep throat last?
Most often, strep throat goes away within 7 days from the onset of infection.
How do you get rid of strep throat overnight?
There is no way of getting rid of strep throat overnight. However, antibiotic treatment may speed up the recovery.
How do you stop strep before it starts?
If you suspect that you may have contracted strep throat, you should start taking echinacea and vitamin C to boost your immunity, but there is no evidence to suggest that it will stop your symptoms from developing.
Does an ice pack help strep throat?
No, but eating ice chips may feel good.
Is hot or cold better for strep throat?
Both warm and cold non-acidic fluids may soothe strep throat. It depends on what feels better to you.
Does talking make strep throat worse?
Talking when you have strep throat can make your throat hoarse and hurt more.
When To Be Concerned About Strep Throat
Strep throat symptoms typically resolve within one to three days of starting antibiotic treatment, and if youre not getting better in that period of time, you should check in with your doctor, Favini says.
If left untreated, your immune system will likely clear the infection in about seven days, but untreated strep throat can also lead to some serious complications, like:
- Ear infections
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Learn When You Should Get Tested Best Practices For Treatment How To Contain The Contagion And Where To Go For Affordable Care
Oh, the wonders of winter. Snowball fights, skiing, hot cocoa, and strep throat?
Yes, the season of fun-filled pastimes and sparkling snow can also be marked by sickness. And this winter, our providers at Associates in Family Medicine are seeing higher-than-usual cases of strep throat.
While this bacterial bane on the winter season is familiar to most of us, our team of providers has noticed a number of misconceptions around strep throat. We talked to AFM physician and urgent care director Dr. Shelley Moore to get clarity on common strep throat symptoms, treatment options, spread, and more.
What Are The Treatments For Strep Throat
Strep throat, caused by bacteria, is one type of sore throat that can be treated. It isnt handled in the same way as sore throats caused by colds and other viruses, so your doctor will likely do whatâs called a ârapid strep testâ to be sure its strep
If the test is positive , theyâll probably recommend:
- Antibiotics to kill the bacteria thatâs causing it
- Rest to help you get better faster
- Over-the-counter medicines and home remedies to ease symptoms
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Natural Remedies For A Sore Throat
A sore throat can be very uncomfortable. The main symptoms are pain and irritation in the throat, especially when swallowing.
A sore throat occurs as part of the bodys immune response to viral or bacterial infections.
The natural immune response leads to inflammation and swelling of the mucous membranes in the throat.
However, several natural remedies may provide relief, including some that are supported by scientific evidence.
Here are 15 natural sore throat remedies.
People have used extracts from the marshmallow plant, Althaea officinalis, to treat sore throats and other conditions since ancient times.
Its root contains a gelatin-like substance called mucilage that coats and lubricates the throat when a person swallows it.
Researchers have tested lozenges containing marshmallow root in animals and found them to be effective and nontoxic, even at very high doses. It may also help soothe a dry cough (1,
Here is a recipe for a cold marshmallow root infusion to soothe a painful throat:
Ingredients:
- 1 liter of cold water
- 1 ounce, or 28 grams , of dried marshmallow root
Directions:
Home Remedies For Sore Throat To Avoid
Dr. Allan warns that not all sore throat remedies are created equal. He recommends you pass on these two:
- Apple cider vinegar. It probably has some antibacterial properties, but thats not going to do much for the sore throat itself.
- Essential oils. They havent been well-studied or clinically proven for safety or effectiveness.
And avoid things that can irritate your throat, including:
- Acidic foods or spicy foods.
- Lying down immediately after you eat, especially if you have acid reflux.
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Raw Honey And Marshmallow Root Tea
Whenever we are looking for an ingredient to soothe the pain or the swelling, raw honey and marshmallow are always our selections. Using these golden ingredients are an excellent way to alleviate the strep throat pain and swelling. Prepare a glass of warm marshmallow root tea, then stir them in raw honey to create a mixture of bacteria-fighting drink.
Strep Throat Treatment Options
If your strep test comes back positive, your healthcare provider will most likely prescribe an antibiotic treatment. Once treatment starts, you should feel improvement within a day or two. It is very important to finish your antibiotics even if you feel better because strep throat can cause serious complications, such as rheumatic fever or glomerulonephritis , or turn into other serious infections within the streptococcal infection group, such as scarlet fever or impetigo. To manage the symptoms of strep throat there are over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen to reduce fever and pain, and at-home remedies like drinking plenty of water.
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The Ultimate Strep Throat Remedy
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This strep throat remedy sounds crazy, but the author actually used it to cure strep throat while pregnant and wanting to avoid antibiotics. It worked incredibly well!!
When I was pregnant with my daughter, I got strep throat.
It was awful. If youve ever had strep, you know the horrid knives-in-your-throat feeling Im referring to. Ugh. I shudder just to think about it again.
I do my best to avoid antibiotics quite stringently. Being pregnant, that desire was especially strong. However, strep is a bacterial infection. Many people believe that bacterial infections will only respond to pharmaceutical antibiotics. From personal experience, Im gonna have to disagree. Heres how it went down
It was a holiday weekend. In Tiny Town. The doctor saw me late Friday afternoon and took a swab to send to the lab for testing. He gave me a prescription just in case, though, because I wouldnt be able to get the results until Tuesday, when they opened again.
I went home without filling the prescription. I told myself I would get it if I was feeling desperate, but Id try googling for ideas first. I found tons of sore throat remedy ideas online. Most involved things like lemon and honey, etc.
Throat Infection: 6 Brilliant Home Remedies For Throat Infection
- NDTV Food Desk
- A throat infection is basically caused by some virus or bacteria
- Gargle with salt-water. Salt has great antibacterial properties
- Drinking turmeric milk can relieve swelling and pain
A pesky throat infection is hard to handle and that is why we all look for quick fixes and home remedies for throat infection. The irritation and itchiness can make it difficult for you to concentrate on your daily chores. Not to forget, the terrible pain that may accompany in severe conditions. A lot of kitchen ingredients are known for their powerful anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties and can help fight infections. They can also help in boosting your immunity and making you stronger from within.What causes a throat infection? It could be tonsillitis, cold or a strep throat. It is usually one of the first effects of cold, flu or congestion. A throat infection is basically caused by some virus or bacteria. It may be an effect of some other ailment that you are suffering with or may be attacked by the pollutants or irritants in the air or some kind of allergies. Some of the common symptoms of a throat infection are.
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Top 8 Home Remedies For Strep Throat
Strep throat is a common bacterial infection that comes on suddenly, causing a painful sore throat and a fever.
Its caused by a bacteria called Streptococcus pyogenes, or type A Streptococcus.
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that is typically treated with antibiotics to prevent a serious complication called rheumatic fever.
But, even on antibiotics, symptoms like fever and sore throat can continue for 1-2 weeks as you recover.
There are some at-home remedies that can help soothe your symptoms while you recover.
Dont waste time on unproven remedies.
In this article, Ill start by providing more information about strep throat, and then list 8 home remedies that are safe and may help with your symptoms.
Ill also tell you about some things to avoid, and precautions you can take.
Ill talk about the types of antibiotics that are prescribed for strep throat, and explain when you should see a doctor or healthcare provider about your sore throat.
What To Eat And Drink:
5. Raw Honey
A daily dose of raw honey raises levels of health-promoting antioxidants in the body. This helps to boost the immune system and is one of several soothing strep throat home remedies. According to research published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, honeys healing property is due to its antibacterial activity, ability to maintain a moist wound condition and its thick consistency that helps to create a protective barrier to prevent infection. Studies have found that medical grade honeys have strong bactericidal activity to fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria that cause several life-threatening infections in humans.
6. Bone Broth
Bone broth helps to keep you hydrated and it provides minerals that you need to boost your immune system. Its soothing and easy to eat when you are suffering from a sore throat or swollen tonsils due to strep throat. Bone broth contains minerals in forms that your body can easily absorb, including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon and sulphur. It also contains chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, the compounds sold as pricey supplements to reduce swelling and joint pain.
Instead of spending hours making bone broth from scratch, use protein powder made from bone broth to help you recover from strep throat quickly. Drink warm bone broth throughout the day.
7. Herbal Tea
8. Apple Cider Vinegar
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Treatments For Strep Throat
Home remedies can work to decrease the discomfort or pain associated with strep throat, but they do not replace the need for a consultation with a provider to see if antibiotics are needed.
The three most common antibiotics prescribed for strep throat are:
- Penicillin: Dosages range from 250 mg twice daily to 500 mg twice daily, depending on age. The typical course of penicillin for strep throat is 10 days.
- Amoxicillin: Dosages are based on body weight for children, with a maximum daily dose of 1000 mg. Adults are typically prescribed 500mg twice a day or 1,000 mg extended release daily.The typical course of amoxicillin for strep throat is 10 days.
- Cephalexin: For individuals allergic to penicillin, cephalexin is often prescribed. It is dosed by body weight for children and the usually adult dose is 500mg twice a day for 10 days.
Never stop taking antibiotics until you have finished the regimen, even if you feel better.
If you stop too early, your infection could come back and could contribute to an antibiotic-resistant infection.
What Is The Best Medication For Strep Throat
The best medication for treating strep throat should be discussed with your doctor and will depend on your medical history and current medications you may be taking.
| Best medications for treating strep throat | ||
|---|---|---|
| Drug name | ||
| 300 mg every 6 hours | Kills the bacteria causing strep throat | Skin problems, yellow appearance of skin, nails, or whites of eyes |
Dosage is determined by your healthcare provider based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, and weight. Other possible side effects exist. This is not a complete list.
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How Can You Relieve A Sore Throat Without Antibiotics
Home treatment is often all you need to soothe a sore throat. Try these tips:
- Gargle often with warm salt water if you are age 8 or older. This helps to reduce throat swelling and pain. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt in 240 mL of warm water.
- Drink extra fluids to soothe your throat. Honey or lemon in weak tea may help. Don’t give honey to children younger than 1 year of age.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Take over-the-counter medicine such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve pain and reduce fever.
- Try throat lozenges that have a painkiller to numb your throat. Regular cough drops may also help. Do not give these to children younger than 4 years of age.
- Try a decongestant. It can make breathing easier and relieve a runny nose and post-nasal drip, which can make your throat hurt. You can take it as a pill or as a nasal spray. Before you use this medicine, check the label. It may not be safe for young children or for people with certain health problems.
Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
How Can I Avoid Getting Strep Throat
To steer clear of strep throat and its unpleasant symptoms, follow a couple of simple yet effective practices in your day-to-day life. First and foremost, wash your hands regularly. It doesnt need to be antibacterial soap, says Moore. Regular soap and water can wash away all the potential germs responsible for spreading strep throat. Moore also encourages people to avoid sharing drinks or foods with one another, even among family members.
If you already have strep throat symptoms or have been diagnosed with strep throat, keep in mind that you are typically most contagious when you have a fever. Once you have started taking antibiotics, the general rule of thumb is 24 hours or two doses of antibiotics for most prescriptions before you are no longer contagious, says Moore. As is the case when trying to escape strep throat, handwashing and avoiding close contact with other people are key to be sure you dont spread your strep infection.
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Cayenne Pepper Or Hot Sauce
Often used as a pain reliever, cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, a natural compound known for blocking pain receptors.
Although not scientifically proven, ingesting cayenne mixed with warm water and honey can help with pain relief for sore throats. Remember that an initial burning sensation is common. Cayenne should not be taken if you have open sores in your mouth. Start with just a few drops of hot sauce or a light sprinkle of cayenne, as both can be very hot.
Effective Ways To Soothe & Treat Strep Throat Fast
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