6 Natural Remedies for a Sore Throat

Between fireplaces drying out your home and the cold winter air, it's no surprise that everyone's throat seems to bother them during the winter months. No one wants to be sick for the holidays, so if you feel a sore throat coming on, give these remedies a try:

Licorice root. Meaning “sweet root” in Greek, licorice root is just that! Whether you decide to chew it raw, or mix it with water and gargle, it relieves scratchiness and irritation by coating your throat in a thick solution.

Slippery elm.  Make your own version of a soothing tea, but better! Pour boiling hot water over the powdered bark and stir it to make a warm drink. Have it over the course of an hour, just before bed for a cough free night.  

Honey. Not only is honey one of the best soothing remedies for a sore throat, it is perfect for kids who can’t yet gargle, don’t like taking medicine or won’t go near a homemade drink.

Salt water. You probably have a sore throat remedy on your table top and didn’t even know it. Mix half a tablespoon of salt in warm water and gargle it for 30 seconds in the morning and before bed to help clear your throat of any built up mucus.

Peppermint. Breath mints aren't just for freshening breath anymore. Peppermint contains menthol, which opens up your sinuses, and anti-inflammatory properties, which relieve sore throats.

Chamomile tea. When in doubt, always grab some warm tea to sooth a sore throat. Chamomile is one of the oldest sore throat remedies for a reason - the steam helps open your nose and sinuses, while the tea soothes your throat and boosts your immune system.

If these natural remedies just aren’t cutting it and the pain worsens, we encourage you to give our Sinus & Facial Plastics Institute a call to schedule an appointment. Our facility, located in central Florida, is dedicated to the complete medical care of the nose, both cosmetic and functional. To learn more about our sinus institute, please visit our website or call 407-944-3340.

Your Guide to Winter Sinus Relief

 Florida Ear Nose Throat

Facial Plastic Surgery Center

877-EAR-NOSE

www.FloridaENT.com

Feeling the effects of a winter sinus infection? Don’t worry, you’re only one of the 37 million Americans who suffer from sinus problems each year. While there is only so much you can do to rid your symptoms, some are more helpful than others. When winter sinus relief is in order, we recommend the following tips:

1. Stay cool
Winter means more heat inside the home, and if you’re spending all your time indoors then we have a bigger problem. That’s because mucus isn’t cleared well in dry, hot, stuffy environments. You’re better off layering on warm sweaters and keeping your heat down a notch. If you’re not waking up with congestion and nosebleeds, you’re home is the right temperature for your sinus health.

2. Humidify the air
Not only does your air need to be cooled down, but it also must be slightly on the humid side. Dust mites and mold love anything greater than 50 percent humidity, so your home should be a happy medium around this time of year - not too dry, nor too humid. The biggest benefit is that using tools like a humidifier will suck the congestion from your nasal passages, easing your inflamed sinuses.

3. Drink (a lot)
Being more water-conscious is always a good thing. This is especially true when your sinuses start acting up. Drink at least a quart a day - the more the better! Salt-water nasal rinses for your nose can help too. You can either make your own mix or buy an OTC solution. Use a bulb syringe to flush out your nasal cavities and clean out mucus and debris.

4. Get rid of irritants
Cigarette smoke, cleaning products, hairspray - you name it - get rid of whatever makes your sinuses feel worse. Anything with a strong odor of fumes can be a problem as can pet dander. While we don’t suggest getting rid of your pet, we do recommend following the steps above and keeping the air in your home fresh by cleaning sheets and upholstery regularly each week.

If your winter sinus infection is only getting worse, consult with an ENT to cure your symptoms faster. We encourage you to give our Sinus & Facial Plastics Institute a call to schedule an appointment. We offer allergy screening, allergy management and immunotherapy. To schedule an appoint, give us a call at (877) EAR-NOSE. For more information about our office, visit www.floridaent.com.

5 Ways to Prevent Sickness During the Holidays

Florida Ear Nose Throat

Facial Plastic Surgery Center

877-EAR-NOSE

www.FloridaENT.com

The holidays can be a stressful time. Not to mention the weather is more cold and damp than usual. Both of these factors can lead to greater chances of sickness. But by taking preventative measures, you can fight the odds:

 Avoid germy spots
With colder temperatures, you’ll be spending more time indoors. That being said, it’s important to decrease your exposure to germs. Whether at the gym, at the mall, or in your home, there are many germ hotspots. For example, door handles, gym equipment, and ATMs all carry a load of germs.

Don’t spread germs
Prevent spreading germs to friends and family by washing your hands with warm soapy water for at least 20-30 seconds. Remind your children to do so as well. Also, we recommend coughing into your sleeve or elbow rather than your hand, whether you’re sick or not.

Keep stress down
By lowering your stress levels, you’ll increase your chances of staying healthy for the holidays. While you’re busy getting through your holiday to-do list, maintain a healthy diet and sleep well.

Get exercise
Exercising on a regular basis can help prevent stress and lead to a healthier lifestyle. Whether you hop on the treadmill, run around your local track, or take up a yoga class, working out is a natural antidepressant that can keep illness down and happiness up.

Prepare for travel
Airplanes and hotels are filled with germs. Prepare for your holiday vacation by packing sanitizer, anti-bacterial wipes, and avoiding public surfaces that can carry germs as well.

If you're feeling under the weather or suffering from sinusitis and allergies this holiday season, we encourage you to make an appointment at Florida Ear Nose Throat right away. We offer allergy screening, allergy management and immunotherapy. To schedule an appoint, give us a call at (877) EAR-NOSE. For more information about our office, visit us on the web.  

The Real Difference Between a Cold and Sinus Infection

 Florida Ear Nose Throat

Facial Plastic Surgery Center

877-EAR-NOSE

www.FloridaENT.com

A cold or sinus infection - which one is it?

Distinguishing the difference between the two can be tricky for someone experiencing similar symptoms. But there significant differences between the two. Let’s find out:

 What is a cold?
A cold is a virus that gets better on its own in 10 days or less. Colds vary in symptoms, but typically include the following:

• Sore throat
• Headache
• Stuffy nose
• Cough
• Mucus buildup
• Sneezing
• Fatigue
• Swollen sinuses
• Fever

Treating your cold
The common cold can typically be treated with over-the-counter medications, as antibiotics won’t cure a virus. Getting rid of your fever can be simple, but getting rid of the rest can take time. What lingers is the thin mucus and sinus pressure.

What is a sinus infection?
A sinus infection occurs when your nasal passages become infected, which is tricky to get rid of unlike a cold. Viruses, bacteria, and allergies can often lead to sinus infections, which is why people so easily confuse the common cold for a sinus infection and vise versa. Some sinus infections include:

• Sinus pressure behind the eyes and cheeks
• Worsening headache
• Runny and stuffy nose that lasts longer than a week
• Cough
• Foul breath
• Fatigue
• Thick yellow or green mucus draining from the nose or back of the throat (post nasal drip)

Treating your sinus infection
Treating a sinus infection requires seeing a doctor. Most acute infections go away on their own, but many times antibiotics are needed. Steroids and decongestants can also help ease symptoms.

If you think you have a sinus infection, consult with an ENT to cure your symptoms faster. We encourage you to give our Sinus & Facial Plastics Institute a call to schedule an appointment. We offer allergy screening, allergy management and immunotherapy. To schedule an appoint, give us a call at (877) EAR-NOSE. For more information about our office, visit www.floridaent.com.