Proven Throat Disinfection Methods [From the Pharmacy Directory]

Where do throat infections come from?

Throat infections are one of the most common conditions that can affect you all year round, be it warm or cold. Why is this happening? Your throat is the first line of defense to keep germs from entering your body. This is where the fight against unwanted microbes takes place.

The palatine tonsils recognize unwanted guests and activate the protective process of the immune system. For this reason, at the onset of an infection, the first thing that comes to mind is the throat: it is red, itchy, and painful.

What about a sore throat? What methods are reliable?

To fight off bacteria and viruses attacking your body, be sure to disinfect your throat. There are many ways: lollipops, sprays, washing liquids – pharmacy shelves are full of similar preparations. Which are the most effective? Unfortunately, this cannot be determined unambiguously. From ready-made preparations, it is worth choosing multicomponent ones that act in many directions: anti-inflammatory and kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

The following substances are recommended for throat disinfection:

• benzydamine – a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and decongestant agent that also acts as a disinfectant
• cetylpyridine – has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties
• benzoxonium chloride – disinfects, has antibacterial and antifungal properties
• amylmetacresol and dichlorobenzyl alcohol – kill bacteria and fungi

Throat Infection – Home Remedies

You can help yourself and prepare your own salvation potion that will help you with a sore throat. These simple home remedies can work wonders! What to gargle with? You may have heard of these potions, but since they are easier to obtain, you have not yet used them.

1. A solution of water with soda.

How to prepare? All you need is a teaspoon of baking soda and half a glass of water – mix, and you’re done! Gargle with this solution several times a day, but do not do this for too long, as this can irritate the mucous membranes. An aqueous solution of saltwater has anti-inflammatory and anti-edema properties.

2. Herbal mixture.

The reliable one, which consists of three ingredients: sage, thyme, and chamomile. It is enough to put a teaspoon of each herb in a cup, pour boiling water over, and insist under the lid for about 15 minutes. Gargle with the prepared infusion several times a day. It not only has an anti-inflammatory effect, relieves swelling and disinfects but also does not irritate the mucous membrane.

3. Hydrogen peroxide and Lugol’s solution.

In 1/3 cup of chilled water, add 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide and a few drops (5-8) of Lugol’s (aqueous) solution. The resulting solution has a strong disinfectant effect. The only drawback is the possibility of drying out and irritation of the mucous membrane.

4. Propolis

This natural ingredient, produced by bees, has an extremely beneficial effect on your body. Used to gargle, has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral effects!

You can use it as a spray or alcohol solution. In the latter case, you need to prepare a solution of about 15 drops per glass of water. Be careful, propolis can cause allergies!

Remember that every solution you prepare must be at the correct temperature – best suited to your body temperature. If it gets too hot, you can burn yourself and irritate the mucous membranes. For the effect to be noticeable, rinsing should be carried out several times a day. Regularity always pays off!