Inflammation of the oropharynx (located at the back of the throat, behind the soft palate) is the cause of sore throat. “But they are not necessarily the result of a common cold : viral infection can start spontaneously. Depending on the terrain and personal reactivity, it will affect the pharynx, larynx or bronchi”. explains Dr de Boysson, ENT doctor in Lisieux (14).
These ailments are 4 times out of 5 due to viruses, but we must remain vigilant because they can also testify to a bacterial infection. Mouthwashes (sprays), syrups, lozenges, chewing gums or tablets, there is no shortage of solutions to relieve annoying symptoms.
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“I have a tingling throat”
An itchy throat is often the warning sign of inflammation of the pharynx. “When the throat stings, it means that the complication is not far away, it can be difficult to escape it”, emphasizes Dr. de Boysson. Fortunately, simple and gentle solutions exist to soothe irritated throats.
The solutions
- Betting on heat and plants. “Heat, even alone, is still the best remedy”, recognizes Dr. de Boysson. The very hot infusion is a great classic to soothe sore throats. The ideal? A herbal tea based on thyme, the star plant for ENT infections because of its antiseptic properties. “For those who don’t like the taste of herbal thymeit also exists in capsules”, says Delphine Chadoutaud. Other grandma’s remedy : half a lemon (antiseptic) and a spoonful of thyme honey (softener), in a cup of warm warm water: up to 3 times a day.
- Drink plenty of water to hydrate irritated mucous membranes. It also soothes the throat.
- Use soothing sprays for sensitive throats based on essential oils known for their antibacterial properties such as essential oil of thyme with thujanol. “We can try this type of product for more comfort even if they remain a little “light”, notes Dr. de Boysson.
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“I am voiceless or hoarse”
Loss of voice, hoarse voice, covered or modified timbre? Unless you’ve sung too much karaoke or smoked too much, chances are your vocal cords are damaged by inflammation of the larynx (laryngitis), most often of viral origin. However, although impressive, “The mere fact of being voiceless does not necessarily justify going to see the doctor right away”, says Dr. de Boysson. Symptoms can go away quickly and your voice can return within days, with a little help.
The solutions
- Stop talking or as little as possible to protect the larynx. Also avoid whispering too much so as not to aggravate the situation.
- wear a scarf to go out, but also inside!
- Drink plenty but not too cold, and no alcohol or coffee.
- Sucking a few lozenges for several days is an effective solution, but not just any. Delphine Chadoutaud, pharmacist, recommends those based on erysimum: “It is a plant with softening properties that gives good results.”
- Do inhalations. For Dr. de Boysson, “ the treatment of choice to heal as quickly as possible remains inhalations, if possible by means of a sonic aerosol sold in pharmacies which will better reach the mucous membrane thanks to its very fine mist”.
Read also : Laryngitis: how to find your voice?
“I have trouble swallowing”
Is your throat sore, like “knotted”, hence difficulty swallowing, sometimes accompanied by fever (often high but which drops quickly)? It is probably angina, a sign of inflammation in the pharynx or tonsils. Viral angina can hurt as much as bacterial angina, but the treatment is not at all the same.
The solutions
- Remember to drink hot because heat is naturally anesthetic.
- Lozenges or gummies to suck for a maximum of 5 days (these are not sweets…). “An effective lozenge contains a local anesthetic (which often ends in ‘aine’ like lidocaine or tetracaine), to reduce pain, combined with an antiseptic, to prevent superinfection. If it also contains honey, that’s a plus,” explains Delphine Chadoutaud.
- No anti-inflammatory. In case of severe pain, one may be tempted to combine it with ibuprofen: some throat lozenges (Strefen) contain it, but Delphine Chadoutaud does not recommend them because of the risk of bacterial superinfection that this can cause. train. Better opt for paracetamol to soothe the pain. “The best thing is to combine lozenges and sprays, because the spray will act more locally and immediately, and the lozenges will make you salivate and act over time”, advocates Delphine Chadoutaud. “These mouthwashes generally contain local anesthetics, decongestants and antiseptics”, says Dr. de Boysson.
- Tablets or sprays based on anesthetics are effective against pain, but it is better to avoid taking them within half an hour before a meal, to avoid choking.
Read also : Cold: what to do when it degenerates into angina?
