Avoid alcohol and caffeine Alcohol and caffeinated drinks like coffee are diuretics, meaning that they can potentially dehydrate you. As a result, your throat may become irritated and eventually sore. Consider abstaining from these drinks or opting for drinks with a lower alcohol or caffeine content.
Copious amounts of alcohol also inflame the sensitive membranes within the throat. Many people drink alcohol when they have a dry or sore throat in the belief that this will ease it but the opposite is true. What happens is that the alcohol dries the tissues out which further exacerbates their sore throat.
Do not smoke, and avoid second-hand smoke. Smoking can make tonsillitis worse. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
Avoid stuff like alcohol, caffeine, very spicy foods and acidic foods (like tomatoes and citrus). They are all potential irritants that should temporarily be avoided when dealing with a sore throat, De Santis, says.
Drink plenty of fluids. This includes warm, soothing liquids, such as soup, broth, or tea with honey and lemon. Eat soft foods, especially if it hurts to swallow. Gargle with warm salt water (1/4 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water).
It's very important to stay hydrated, even though it hurts. Drink water, tea (herbal or decaf), broth, soup, and non-caffeinated sports drinks e.g. Gatorade. Hot tea with lemon and honey can help. Gargle with warm salt-water.
Reasons not to stop drinking milk
A glass of cold milk or a few bites of frozen yogurt may soothe a sore throat. It also could help you get some nutrients and calories when you might not feel like eating, such as when you're sick.
Sleeping on an incline can help you breathe easier and help clear mucus, which drip down the back of your throat and cause irritation. Rather than propping yourself up by using pillows, raise the head of your bed.
The symptoms of tonsillitis usually get better after three to four days. If you have tonsillitis that's caused by a viral infection, such as the common cold or flu, your symptoms may be milder.
The cooling effect of cold drinks such as iced water or iced tea can help to relieve sore throats.
Warm salt water and hot tea help your throat, but so do cold liquids, ice chips and popsicles. Popsicles are especially helpful for young children - the cold acts as a temporary numbing agent to ease the discomfort. Over-the-counter throat sprays and pain relievers can also help with pain control.
Some people swear by a folksy remedy of Coca-Cola as a sore throat healer. Others combine it with lemon and ginger for a sore throat. Still many say drinking soda while sick isn't a good idea because it can dehydrate at a time when more fluids are best.
Carbonated drinks cause inflammation, so avoid the fizzy stuff while you have a sore throat. Similar to fried foods, drinks with a high sugar content weaken your immune system. The best course of action is to drink plenty of water instead.
Gargle with warm salt water. Suck on lozenges (containing benzocaine or similar ingredients) to reduce pain (these should not be used in young children because of the choking risk).
Symptoms typically get worse over 2-3 days and then gradually go, usually within a week.
Eating cold, soft foods, such as frozen yogurt or ice cream, can numb the throat, offering temporary pain relief. People can also try the following: sucking on popsicles.
Tonsillitis isn't contagious but the infections that cause it are (for example, colds and flu). To stop these infections from spreading: stay off work or keep your child at home until you or your child feel better.
While tonsillitis itself isn't contagious, you can still spread the viruses or bacteria that have caused it. The infection is usually spread through droplets from coughing or sneezing or through touching contaminated surfaces.
Tonsillitis can lead to a number of complications, including: Chronic tonsillitis – infection of the tonsils which does not clear up. The person may go on feeling unwell and tired.
Excess mucus in the throat can lead to itching, irritation, and soreness. Postnasal drip typically increases when a person is lying down. As a result, a sore throat may worsen at night or first thing in the morning.