How to get rid of a sore throat? (Sore Throat) Let's talk about this!

"Oh, doctor, this sore throat is unbearable..." This is something we hear all the time. This pain, which feels like a scratchy, scratchy throat, and sometimes makes it difficult to swallow food, is really annoying. Instead of taking medicine every day, you may be wondering how much better it would be if there was a way to prevent this sore throat from happening. So today we are going to talk about the things we can do to stay away from this annoying sore throat.

Why do we always get sore throats?

The main reason for this is bacterial infections. Simply put, invisible viruses and bacteria from our environment enter our throat and damage the cells there.

• Viral infections : Viruses that cause illnesses like the common cold and flu are the most common causes of sore throats. Antibiotics usually don't work for these.
• Bacterial Infections : Sometimes, a throat infection (Strep Throat) can be caused by bacteria like Streptococcus . For this, you will need to take antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor.

Once we know these reasons, we can get a better idea of ​​what we need to do to prevent this.

So, how do we avoid sore throats?

This is not a big deal. A few simple habits that we can incorporate into our daily lives can greatly reduce this risk.

Stay away from smoking and fumes.

If you are a smoker, you probably have a sore throat. Cigarette smoke is a strong irritant to the delicate membranes in your throat. This makes your throat dry and susceptible to infections. Therefore, if you can quit smoking, it will be a great help not only for your throat, but also for your overall health.

Even if you don't smoke, being in places where other people smoke (secondhand smoke) can cause the same effects. So try to avoid such environments.

Let's protect ourselves from germs.

The best way to prevent a sore throat is to avoid illnesses like colds and flu.

• Wash your hands often: This is the most important thing. How many things do we touch every day? Germs can be everywhere. We can get sick when we touch our eyes, nose, and mouth with those same hands. So, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This is like singing the "Happy Birthday" song twice in your head.
• Stay away from sick people: If someone in your home or workplace has a cold or fever, be a little careful. Reduce close contact and socializing.
• Use only your own things: Do not share items like water bottles, cups, plates, cutlery, etc. with others. Germs can easily spread through these.
• Avoid touching your face: We unconsciously touch our faces about a hundred times a day. Trying to reduce this habit is a great way to prevent germs from entering your body.

Let's strengthen the body's immunity.

Our body has an army that fights germs. That is our immune system. If this army is strong, the incidence of diseases will be much lower.

• A good nutritious diet: Foods rich in vitamins and minerals are essential for our immunity. Include fresh fruits, vegetables, and greens in your daily diet. Especially things like oranges, tangerines, limes, and guavas, which are rich in vitamin C, are very good.
• Get enough sleep: Sleep is the time when the body repairs itself. Getting at least 7-8 hours of uninterrupted, restful sleep a day is very important for boosting immunity.
• Drink plenty of fluids: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. This will help keep your throat moist. Not only water, but also porridge, soup, and fresh fruit juice are also very good options.

Other situations that require special attention

Sometimes a sore throat isn't caused by a cold itself. It can also be caused by other underlying medical conditions.

• Allergies: Some people are allergic to things like dust, pollen, and animal dander. This can cause a runny nose, sneezing, and a sore throat.
• Gastritis and GERD: Acid reflux (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease - GERD) can also cause sore throats and heartburn. Although many people call this "gastritis," it is actually a more serious condition. It can be worse at night.

If you have a sore throat that you suspect is caused by an allergy or GERD, be sure to see your doctor for advice. When the underlying cause is properly treated, the sore throat will usually subside.

Finally, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months get a flu vaccine every year. This is also a good way to prevent complications from the flu, including sore throats. Talk to your doctor about this as well.