Is your loved one complaining of a sore throat? If she is elderly, you may wonder if you need to be concerned about a sore throat or if you can simply help her be more comfortable until it passes. A lot of those types of decisions are made by caregivers every day as they care for their elderly loved ones. It’s important to not only fully understand your loved one’s current state of health but also to understand how many conditions develop and can be treated at home, as well, and home care aides can provide assistance.
What Causes a Sore Throat
A sore throat (also known as pharyngitis) is the general term for when a person’s throat feels painful or burning. Your loved one might struggle to swallow or feel like it’s painful to talk. The tissue of the throat often becomes inflamed because of a viral infection, but it can also be from other factors like being exposed to a lot of smoke, stressing the throat by talking too loudly for too long, or allergies. In general, a common sore throat that is not a symptom of a more serious health condition will go away by itself within 10 days, leaving the person to take care of themselves and find comfort where they can.
Six Home Remedies for a Sore Throat
Stick with foods and drinks that are soothing to the throat. Your loved one might find she likes warm drinks like tea better or she might find relief in a cold drink like a smoothie. The classic chicken noodle soup cure may not be a cure, but it can feel great to eat and help her get some much-needed calories. Bananas, rice, eggs, and mashed potatoes are also easy on a sore throat.
Suck on candy or lozenges when not eating. Some brands have ingredients that can numb a throat to ease pain but others can provide relief by helping to create saliva, keeping a throat soothed.
Turn on a humidifier. Especially in the winter months, a humidifier can help bring relief by adding moisture to the dry air indoors, which heating often causes.
Take some over-the-counter pain relievers to ease the pain and discomfort of a sore throat. If your loved one isn’t sure what to take, a quick call to her nurse or doctor to find out which type is best for her will offer guidance.
Garble with salt water. By placing ½ teaspoon of salt into a cup of water and gargling, your loved one will find relief from inflammation and irritation.
Resist talking too much. Have your loved one spend time on quiet activities that don’t require a lot of talking.
Have Home Care Providers On Call When Illness Strikes
If your loved one is living independently and doesn’t have family nearby, it can help to have a home care provider step in and offer support when she’s not feeling 100 percent, such as when a painful sore throat develops. A home care provider can help with taking the dog for a walk, preparing a delicious meal of soup to enjoy, or doing some light housework until your loved one feels better. The more help she can get while she’s not feeling well, the more likely she’ll recover more quickly and be back on her feet in no time.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Home Care Services in Mt. Vernon, OH, please contact the caring staff at Central Star Home Health today. Call 419-756-9449
Central Star Home Health is a Trusted Home Care Agency in Ohio, including Ashland, Bellville, Bucyrus, Crestline, Galion, Lexington, Mansfield, Marion, Mt. Vernon, Ontario, Shelby, and Willard.
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