DEAR Dr. Fritz,
Good day. I have an on and off sore throat. I usually don't like to take medicines because I have hyperacidity and I can feel it right away after taking pain relievers. So, I am looking for some home remedies which may help me with my problem.
Thank you.
Digong Digs
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Dear Digong Digs,
Yes, there are home remedies for sore throat problems. But, you have to see your doctor first and see if you don't have strep throat. Because if you do, and this is untreated, this will lead to rheumatic fever, glomerulonephritis, pneumonia, to name a few.
Alright, here are some home remedies which can help you.
Saltwater gargle
Use one teaspoon of salt in a glass of water and gargle it. I prefer that you use cold water instead of warm water because it helps better with a sore throat. Be sure not to swallow the solution. Don't also use so much salt because this could dry the throat more. Gargling will not only help with sore throat problems. It could also help loosen the phlegm and ease throat irritation because of postnasal drip. As a matter of fact, a 2005 study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine showed that gargling with saltwater may even help prevent upper respiratory tract infections.
Drink warm liquids
Warm liquids like caffeine-free tea, water with honey, or warm soup broth can be comforting for sore throat. But, just be sure that they are just warm -- not hot -- or else, you will make the problem worse.
Pain medicines that you can buy without doctor's prescription
Since you are quite sensitive to pain relievers, then you might be better off with paracetamol and acetaminophen. However, paracetamol and acetaminophen can only help in mild pains. But, they are quite effective for sore throats.
Good luck!
Dr. Fritz
(Dr. Fritz Legarde Espedilla is an aesthetic dermatologist and surgeon and a clinical sexologist. She is also trained in hypnotherapy and Medical Acupuncture. She is the co-host of digital page of Superbalita. She has been in the broadcast media for more than a decade and has written a book based on her 15 year stint with her radio program, "Healthy is Sexy Secrets ni Dr. Fritz." For your questions, you
may e-mail them to dokfritz@yahoo.com. If you don't wish your letter to be published, we regret that we cannot answer them. Thank you for your understanding.)