How to get rid of sore throat and clogged ears

November is just the month when the weather is shifting gears, getting colder almost all around the world. And with this shift in the temperature, many are beginning to suffer from the illness associated with the throat, ears, and nose.

Since these issues become prevalent in the current month of November, we have juggled up some valuable tips in this article to learn how to get rid of sore throat and clogged ears with easy home remedies and interesting tips. But first, we would understand why people start getting throat and ear irritation, particularly this month. 

Why do we get throat, ear, and nose illnesses?

When the seasons change, and a new dominating climate takes hold, humans begin adjusting to the new normal. Initially, our bodies often face difficulty responding to changes in weather. This internal conflict can lead to sicknesses such as sore throat, runny nose, and clogged ears.

Furthermore, the change to winter temperatures weakens our immune system, allowing the seasonal virus and cold to establish a stronghold in our bodies.

Commonly, cold weather illnesses are characterized by sore throats and congested ears, which we usually face at the beginning of winter until our immune systems and bodies are adjusted to the cold weather.

This article aims to help you overcome these irritations so you can welcome the festivities of winter with health, energy, and vivacity.

How to get rid of sore throat and clogged ears this year?

 

We can only pick the best tips to get rid of sore throat and clogged ears if we know the root cause of these symptoms. As we know, there are many underlying issues that can cause sore throat and blocked nose and ears.

However, this post emphasizes the change of weather in November that results in common colds and associated ENT (Ear, nose, and throat) congestion and irritations.

The following simple yet effective home remedies for sore throats, nose, and ears related to the common cold and viral flu are best in winter.

1. Take warm and cold fluids

Sipping on warm drinks, like soup or tea, helps reduce the effects of sore throats and opens your airways. Cold liquid treatments like sipping ice water and sucking popsicles also help soothe the irritating throat.

However, warm liquids help more in winter as they keep you warm, and you can kill two birds with one stone. One, you can enjoy the winter with seasonal soups and herbal tea. Two, you can comfort your throat and clogged ears to tone down the nagging symptoms. It is one of the best remedies for common colds.

The Science Behind: Liquids aid in the clearing of mucous membranes, keeping things moving, and preventing sinus infections and clogged nose and ears. Warm temperatures might also help to relieve coughs by relaxing the back of the throat.

2. Gargle with salt water

Gargling is an ancient remedy for sore throats. Dissolve a couple of pinches of salt or baking soda in a glass of warm water. Ensure the water is warm enough but not too hot to burn your throat. Gargle the concoction at least thrice a day, particularly before hitting the bed to have a restful night.

The Science Behind: Salt, water helps reduce irritation and swelling in your throat. Similarly, baking soda also alleviates a sore throat. Gargling with salt or baking soda water breaks up mucus, consequently helping with acid reflux that causes ENT congestion and irritation.

3. OTC (Over the Counter) medicines

OTC antihistamines and painkillers relieve or at least reduce throat pain. Medicines like naproxen and ibuprofen also help reduce the pain troubling a little deeper in your glands, relieve headaches, and dull the strain in other parts of your neck.

The Science Behind: Histamines support your immune system in fighting foreign substances. However, sometimes they trigger symptoms, including congestion and post-nasal drip. These symptoms can worsen your sore throat. Antihistamines counteract this reaction, while painkillers, as the name suggests, kill the pain.

4. Take steam

Taking steam is another ancient remedy for sore throat, nose, and ears- one of the best remedies for common colds. Nowadays, there are steamers that make it convenient for you to take steam.

If you don’t have one, you can always do it the old way- Heat up the water and inhale the steam. However, if preparing steam is too time-consuming, take a hot shower. Prepare your bath, and when it gets steamy, inhale the air around you.

The Science Behind: Steam helps to release mucus and moisturizes and soothes a sore throat.

5. Consume Hot Toddy

A hot toddy is a drink we prepare by mixing water, whisky, honey, and lemon juice. Spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger are sometimes added to enhance the taste and overall warm effect. Take care of the ratio, as too much whiskey can dehydrate you.

The Science Behind: Honey coats the throat and reduces irritation. Honey is also rich in antibacterial properties. The sweetness calms sore throats, coughing, and nerve endings. The small amount of whiskey in the combo thins and breaks up.

It also dilates the blood vessels on the throat surface, multiplying the immune cells so they can fight the infection. The spices not only enhance the taste but also stimulate saliva production, improve hydration, and ease mucus flow in your throat.

What to avoid when you have sore throats and clogged ears

These remedies are the best if you are looking for the answer to how to get rid of sore throat and clogged ears. However, besides trying these tips, you must avoid certain things. Following are some remedies that are not effective and can even worsen your conditions.

Apple cider vinegar: Some people suggest gargling with the concoction of apple cider vinegar and water. This vinegar indeed contains some antibiotic properties, but that’s unlikely to do enough to soothe the sore throat itself. On the contrary, the sourness can increase your irritation.

Essential oils: They haven’t been extensively researched or clinically proven for effectiveness. In fact, the oiliness does not moisture or coat your throat like honey but increases the soreness.

Also, avoid anything that may irritate your throat, such as:

• Dry atmosphere
• Smoking
• Foods that are acidic or hot
• Immediately lying down after eating, particularly if you are suffering from acid reflux.

Conclusion

We recommend you use common sense to know when to seek medical attention.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with a physician if you:

• If you have significant throat discomfort that is persistent or does not improve or that extends into your ear.
• If you have difficulty swallowing, breathing, or opening the mouth.
• If you have blood in your mucus or are coughing up blood.
• If you feel for swollen lymph nodes or lumps in your neck.
• If you have white spots or rashes on the inside of your throat, you may have strep throat or a case of scarlet fever.
• If you are running a high fever.
• If you may lose your voice for more than a week.

Remember that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to sickness. Wash your hands frequently. Stay clean, stay healthy.