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Throat Spray User's Guide

Most throat spray brands direct you to spray once directly to the back of your throat. You usually let throat spray stay in place for a short time before spitting it out. How often you can use it depends on the brand.

Sore throat symptoms can make it hard to speak or swallow. Even a minor sore throat can cause pain, scratchiness, and irritation that interferes with day-to-day life.

Over-the-counter sore throat remedies, like throat spray, can provide comforting relief. But figuring out how to use throat spray effectively can be confusing.

Throat sprays won't cure your sore throat but can temporarily relieve symptoms. In this article, we'll explain how throat spray works and provide information on how to use it.

Even though throat sprays don't require a prescription, you should only use them according to package directions. Accidental overuse of throat spray is common but should be avoided, especially if you're treating a young child.

Different brands may have slightly different directions, so checking the directions on the label is important. But generally, you can follow these steps:

Check the dosing amount before use.

Take the cap off the spray nozzle. Ensure the nozzle opening is clean and free of product residue.

Spray the product toward the back of your throat as many times as directed (usually once or twice).

Either gargle or allow the throat spray to stay in place for 15–60 seconds or according to package directions.

Spit out the excess amount.

Throat sprays are intended to provide fast relief from discomfort.

You may feel a numbing sensation within 15–30 seconds after applying throat spray to the affected area. In general, you can expect to feel a significant reduction in symptoms, like pain and scratchiness, within 5–10 minutes.

Symptom relief from throat spray is temporary and varies between brands.

The numbing sensation caused by throat spray should last for around 2 hours. If you're dehydrated, you may feel your symptoms return more quickly. Drinking fluids like warm tea or cool water can help you maintain symptom relief for longer periods.

It's possible, or even likely, that your symptoms will return before it's time to respray your throat. Even so, it's important to only use this product according to a healthcare professional's instructions or the manufacturer's directions.

You can typically use throat spray once every 2 hours up to four times daily. Many products are not intended for use for longer than 2 days without a healthcare professional's approval.

The most common side effect of throat spray is mild to severe irritation in the mouth or throat. You may also feel a mild tingling sensation.

If you feel uncomfortable after using throat spray, discontinue its use and let a healthcare professional know.

It's possible to be allergic to ingredients like phenol or dyclonine. If you know or suspect you're allergic to these substances, don't use a throat spray that contains them. Allergic reactions to throat spray can cause symptoms such as:

itchy rash or hives

swelling of the face, throat, lips, or tongue

blisters

wheezing

tight feeling in the throat or chest

trouble breathing or swallowing

hoarseness

If you're pregnant or nursing, experts recommend consulting a healthcare professional before using throat spray.

Many throat sprays are not meant for use in children under 12 years old, though some allow for use in children as young as 3 years old. Don't use throat spray on the gums to numb teething pain in your infant. Make sure you read the label instructions before use.

Some throat sprays contain benzocaine. According to the Food and Drug Association (FDA), overuse or misuse of benzocaine in people of any age may cause methemoglobinemia, a rare but potentially life threatening condition.

If your symptoms worsen or persist for more than 7 days, stop using throat spray and see a healthcare professional. You may have a condition that requires prescription medication or other types of treatment.

Can you swallow throat spray?

Throat spray is not meant to be swallowed, but don't panic if a small amount accidentally trickles down your throat. Swallowing more than indicated may cause mild stomachache or other gastric symptoms.

Many throat sprays taste like cherry or mint. Make sure to keep these products out of reach of children. Drinking throat spray can cause an overdose or accidental poisoning. If this occurs, seek immediate medical help or call Poison Control at 800-222-1222.

Do you spit out throat spray?

Yes. After gargling throat spray, you should spit it out.

Should I drink water after throat spray?

Try to wait several minutes after using throat spray before you drink water. This will give the product time to work and eliminate the possibility of accidental digestion.

Hydration during illness is important, but you may also wish to avoid eating or drinking while your throat is numb.

When should I use throat spray?

Your symptoms may feel worse when you first wake up in the morning. Using throat spray at that time may be a good idea.

You may also benefit from using throat spray right before bed if your symptoms make it hard to fall asleep.

Keep in mind that throat sprays aren't cures. Don't rely on throat spray if you have a high fever, swollen tonsils, a rash, or other troubling symptoms. Instead, see a healthcare professional for treatment.

Can I use throat spray for tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is an infection usually due to a virus or bacteria. You can use throat spray to help your throat feel more comfortable, but it won't cure tonsillitis.

Throat spray is an over-the-counter, at-home remedy that can help reduce sore throat symptoms. These products are usually safe when used as directed.

Some throat sprays are not appropriate for use in young children. You may also want to consult a healthcare professional before using throat spray if you're pregnant or nursing.

Cold, Cough Or Sore Throat? 7 Home Remedies You Must Try For Some Relief

Honey is loaded with antibacterial and antimicrobial properties

With the season changing from summer to winter, a lot of health issues come uninvited. Some of these include cold, cough, fever and sore throat. Along with these, you may feel extreme tiredness and difficulty performing day-to-day tasks efficiently. However, a few home remedies can help manage symptoms of cold and cough effectively. In this article, we've listed some of the best remedies that can help you get some relief. In case, the symptoms don't improve and you start to experience some additional issues, it is best to seek medical help on time.

1. Ginger

Ginger provides anti-inflammatory effect. It can help manage cough.

Mix some fresh ginger with honey or add it to your cup of tea for effective results.

2. Honey

Honey is an effective remedy for cough. It is loaded with antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. It can be used for both adults and children.

A tablespoon of honey is usually mixed with a few drops of ginger juice to get rid of cough. You can also add it to hot lemon or green tea.

3. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an excellent immunity booster. Strong immunity can help prevent the onset of seasonal illnesses. Adding enough citrus fruits can help enhance the immune function.

4. Turmeric

Turmeric or haldi is a must-have for the winter season. It can help keep you warm and reduce the symptoms of cold and cough.

Turmeric also has anti-bacterial properties and helps reduce inflammation.

5. Steam and gargle

Gargling with salt water helps prevent upper respiratory infections. It also reduces the severity of congestion and sore throat.

Similarly, breathing in steam relieves congestion. It also helps with coughing by providing moisture to the airways.

6. Soups

Soups can reduce the severity of cold and speed up recovery. They can keep you warm and provide plenty of essential nutrients that can support your immune system.

7. Hot drinks

Teas are commonly consumed during the winter season. You can also add other hot drinks to your winter diet to stay warm.

Sipping hot drinks relieves congestion and eases throat pain.

These remedies can reduce the severity of the illness. Also, may shorten the duration. If your symptoms worsen, talk to your doctor immediately. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

Strep Throat Infections On The Rise In Some Areas

"I've been practicing emergency medicine for 25 years, and I have not seen strep throat as frequently as I have in these past six or eight months," said Dr. Jennifer Stevenson, the head of the emergency department at Henry Ford Medical Center in Dearborn, Mich., in an Oct. 28 NBC report.

This report said that the bacterial illness, marked by painful, scratchy throats and high fevers, has been rising for months in parts of the mid-Atlantic and the Southeast. And, unfortunately, no one seems to know why.

Since medical providers aren't required to report strep throat diagnoses to our health department, we don't know if strep infections are increasing here. But after seeing this report, I think it's a good time to address this infection that affects several million people a year.

Strep throat is caused by a bacterium known as Streptococcus pyogenes, aka group A streptococcus.

"Streptococcal bacteria are contagious," May Clinic says. "They can spread through droplets when someone with the infection coughs or sneezes, or through shared food or drinks. You can also pick up the bacteria from a doorknob or other surface and transfer them to your nose, mouth, or eyes."

Although it primarily affects children ages five to fifteen, strep throat can happen to anyone at any time. Parents of school-aged children or those who are in contact with younger children are more at risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it's "very rare" in children younger than 3.

The CDC says that it is more prevalent in the early spring and winter. The bacteria, it seems, flourishes whenever people are in close contact with one another. Places like schools, daycare centers, and military training facilities can be petri dishes for infections.

"Strep bacteria may spread, causing infection in the tonsils, sinuses, skin, blood or middle ear," Mayo says. "It can also lead to inflammatory illnesses, including scarlet fever, inflammation of the kidney, rheumatic fever or poststreptococcal reactive arthritis."

Signs and symptoms may include throat pain that comes on quickly, pain swallowing (one woman said she couldn't even swallow her spit, it hurt so badly), red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus; tiny red spots on the area at the back of the roof of the mouth; swollen, tender lymph nodes in the neck; fever, headache, rash, nausea or vomiting (especially in younger children) and body aches.

"It's possible for you or your child to have many of these signs and symptoms but not have strep throat," Mayo explains. "The cause of these signs and symptoms could be a viral infection or some other illness. That's why your doctor generally tests specifically for strep throat."

Not only that, it's also possible for a person to have a strep infection and be contagious but not show any signs or symptoms. 

After the primary care provider does a physical exam of the patient and believes the symptoms are caused by group A streptococcus, he or she will swab the throat. Then, one of two things will happen. The rapid strep test quickly shows if the bacteria is causing the illness. If that's the case, the provider will prescribe antibiotics.

"If the test is negative, but a doctor still suspects strep throat, then the doctor can take a throat culture swab," the CDC says. "A throat culture takes time to see if group A strep bacteria grow from the swab. While it takes more time, a throat culture sometimes finds infections that the rapid strep test misses. Culture is important to use in children and teens since they can get rheumatic fever from an untreated strep throat infection."

Strep throat is treated with antibiotics. The benefits include decreasing how long someone is sick, decreasing symptoms, preventing the bacteria from spreading to others, and preventing serious complications. Also, taking antibiotics will help the patient feel better in just a day or two.

Two things to note about taking antibiotics: it's important to take the medicine as directed and to take the whole course. Don't let the patient stop taking them just because they feel better unless directed by their PCP. And don't forget to throw away their toothbrush as soon as the infection is gone.

Kathy Hubbard is a member of the Bonner General Health Foundation Advisory Council. She can be reached at kathyleehubbard@yahoo.Com.

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