Have you ever suffered from a sore throat? That scratchy dry and sometimes painful sensation makes swallowing a big issue. A sore throat is caused by either bacteria or viruses although some simple self-care actions can help get rid of it. However, the most confusing issue is what to drink to soothe a sore throat, is it hot or cold for sore throat? In case such is your concern, know either of the two contributes to healing in a specific way.

Which Is Better? A Hot or Cold Drink!

Below is an elaboration on which drink to take although a doctor's advice is vital.

1. Cold stuff helps ease the pain

Do you believe cold drinks and foodstuffs worsens sore throat condition? Many believe so but that is not true. An article written by Prof. Eccles confirms that by taking cold pops, ice chips or ice cream, sore throats can be relieved. Such cold stuff lowers the temperature around your nasal cavity thus helping to reduce pain signals sent by your pharynx nerves.

On the other hand, anything cold helps to activate transient receptor potential melastatin 8 which aids in pain relieving. If you happen to swallow some cold foodstuffs, the irritation caused by the sores around your pharynx reduces. This happens because the inflammation of cells is reduced by cold temperatures. If you ever wondered whether is cold stuff good for sore throat, now you have some facts.

2. Hot is most beneficial

Some hot drinks like soup, coffee, hot tea or warm lemonade have had their supporters for a long time. If you were to count the number of beneficial ways in which hot stuff can help compared to cold stuff, hot soup will be more beneficial. The American Osteopathic Association report confirms this.

To start with, if you take something hot, it helps in increasing your salivation rate. You really need a lot of saliva to soothe that dry throat. When the dryness is soothed, the pain will intensify.

Secondly, when you take a cup of hot tea, it helps in loosening the mucus that accompanies a sore throat infection. It is this mucus layer that develops on your throat that causes the stiffness, congestion, and discomfort you experience when you have a sore throat.

Lastly, hot drinks such as soup do increase opioid painkillers levels in the brain. If you were really concerned about selecting which drink, either hot or cold for sore throat, be assured that both are beneficial. Any that comes your way when you're suffering; grab it and say bye to that monster called a "sore throat”.

Further Tips for Treating a Sore Throat

The effects of a sore throat can really put you down and render you unproductive at work. But the good thing is that you can help yourself anytime you wish though treating it. There are a number of home remedies you can use. But when a sore throat results in nausea, fever, or vomiting, get to see a doctor immediately. Below are some treatment tips you can opt for.

1. Garlic

Raw garlic contains antiseptic properties that work on relieving your sore throat problems. If you want the best out of garlic, chew it. When crushed or chewed, garlic produces a medicinal compound known as allicin that contains antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties that bring the expected healing. But if chewing garlic in its raw form proves difficult for you, try to ingest it with honey or olive oil, or blend it with veggies to make some juice.

2. Honey

The herbal collection of nectar that bees use to make honey gives it the power to fight bacteria. You can add honey to your tea, to lemon, or to hot water instead of sugar, and you will make a perfect sore throat relieving medicine. If your sore throat is caused by a bacterial infection, you will more likely be healed with this method.

3. Echinacea and sage spray

A combination of sage and Echinacea is recommended by the European Journal of Medical Research because it is effective just like the way some over the counter drugs are. These two herbs, sage, and Echinacea, when combined make a powerful spray that helps soothe and relieves the dryness, itching, and the scratchy effect.

4. Steam shower

The idea behind a steam shower is to breathe in the warm moist air. That warm moistness helps to loosen the mucus caused by a sore throat like the way hot tea does. If you do not have a warm shower or humidifier, consider pouring water in a basin or a sink, covering it with a towel, and try to breathe through the towel to inhale the warm moisture.

5. Lozenge

A lozenge is an OTC medication that contains methanol used to numb throat tissues in the same way cold water for sore throat works. It provides a temporary relief to the pain and the scratchy burning sensation.

In conclusion, it is possible to prevent a sore throat. All you need to do is ensure you wash your hands frequently throughout the day to get rid of germs. Stay away from those infected, as you might catch what they have. In case you get infected, consider the above reference guidelines and your doctor's advice on treatment. But hot or cold drinks can be the perfect solution for relief.