When I woke up, I felt a swollen sensation and pain in my throat. The cause is inflammation of the pharynx and larynx, which causes pain due to infection by viruses or bacteria. Pharyngitis can occur due to viral infections such as colds, influenza, COVID-19, or sudden temperature changes and overexertion.

 

Usually, it occurs frequently in autumn or winter, but sore throat in the middle of summer, especially during a heatwave? This is because recently, COVID-19 has been prevalent, and the large temperature difference between indoor and outdoor environments caused by air conditioning and other cooling devices has led to an increase in people catching colds and sore throats.

When pharyngitis occurs, symptoms such as a foreign body sensation and dryness in the throat, mild cough, and if the pain is severe, difficulty swallowing, as well as headache, high fever, and loss of appetite may develop. When your throat hurts and is uncomfortable due to pharyngitis, what are some good foods that can help alleviate the symptoms?

Based on sources such as the American health and medical media 'Everyday Health,' we looked into foods that are easy to swallow, soft, and can help soothe irritation and ensure adequate hydration for sore throat relief. Conversely, it is advisable to avoid foods that can worsen inflammation due to irritation.

 

Eggs, mashed potatoes, oatmeal

 

A specialist from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFI) in the United States states, "Warm and soft foods like oatmeal porridge help alleviate sore throat pain." Soft foods are naturally easier to swallow and cause less irritation.

In particular, it is explained that the nutrients found in oatmeal can help fight diseases. Oatmeal, or oats, is rich in beta-glucan, which lowers cholesterol and prevents diabetes, and contains a large amount of vitamins B group, manganese, iron, magnesium, zinc, and other minerals that promote digestive health, boost immunity, and increase physical vitality.

It is also recommended to prepare eggs in ways that make them easy to swallow, such as scrambled, fried, or soft-boiled. Eggs are rich in protein and contain nutrients such as lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin D, selenium, and vitamin A, which help boost immunity and strengthen the body.

 

Mashing potatoes and mixing them lightly with milk or Greek yogurt to make a smooth dish is also a good method. Potatoes contain antioxidants that support the immune system and reduce inflammation, as well as vitamin C and potassium, which help maintain heart and muscle function. Additionally, since over 70% of potatoes are water, they can help keep the throat moist, which is a significant advantage.

Warm broth or soup, warm tea

 

You have probably heard many times that it is good to drink warm beverages or eat warm foods when you have a sore throat. The steam generated from hot soups or broth helps to clear a blocked nose and throat, provides sufficient hydration to thin mucus, and also prevents dehydration.

A small-scale study involving 30 participants exhibiting symptoms similar to cold or flu compared the effects of warm beverages and room temperature beverages. The results showed that warm beverages immediately and continuously improved symptoms such as runny nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat, fatigue, and chills. In contrast, room temperature beverages only alleviated symptoms like runny nose, cough, and sneezing through hydration.

Especially, drinking warm tea is helpful. It not only relieves nasal congestion through steam and hydration but also provides pain relief when consuming types rich in anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as green tea or ginger tea. Although the scorching heat is intense, drinking warm beverages when sick helps with recovery.

 

Lemon water, honey water, honey tea=

 

If you want to boost your ability to fight viruses along with hydration, drinking lemon water rich in vitamin C is effective. Not only can you enjoy anti-inflammatory effects and immune system enhancement from vitamin C, but you can also hydrate deliciously.

Warm honey water or honey tea with honey can also be a good choice. According to experts at the Mayo Clinic in the United States, honey has long been used as a cough suppressant and is a good food that forms a coating in the throat to reduce irritation. There are also research findings that honey can exert anti-inflammatory effects in various ways. However, since honey may contain toxins, care should be taken not to give it to very young children.

 

Ice cream or smoothie=

Cool foods or drinks can actually help relieve sore throat pain. Eating ice cream, for example, can also help with hydration, preventing dehydration and stopping the mucous membranes inside the throat from becoming too dry.

Eating fruit smoothies or consuming yogurt, milk, and other dairy products is also okay. However, dairy products can sometimes increase mucus secretion and worsen symptoms, so caution is needed when consuming them.

 

Cookies, spicy foods, and carbonated drinks are not allowed.

 

Of course, it is best to avoid foods that can cause severe irritation to the throat. Eating hard and crispy snacks like toast or crackers, raw vegetables, and fried foods can help alleviate symptoms.

Foods that are too spicy and salty, such as mala hot pot or tteokbokki, are also not recommended. Caffeinated beverages and alcohol can have diuretic effects and cause dehydration, so they should be avoided. It is also best not to drink carbonated beverages, as their acidity and carbonation can be irritating.

Mild sore throat can be quickly cured by paying attention to food and environment and resting well, but if the sore throat is caused by serious conditions such as septic sore throat, you should see a doctor immediately if abnormal symptoms appear.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends seeking medical attention immediately if symptoms of severe illness such as difficulty breathing, blood-tinged saliva or sputum, excessive drooling (in children), dehydration, joint swelling and pain, or rash appear.

 

 

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Sore throat from the continuous hot days and the air conditioning breeze.

It would be nice to soothe your throat with a warm cup of tea.

 

Foods that stimulate the throat, such as snacks or spicy foods

They say it's not good~~

 

I had a cool iced coffee in the morning, but...

In the afternoon, I may not be able to make it warm, but I think I'll have a lukewarm cup of chamomile.