How to gargle for a sore throat?

What are lacunae

The tonsils are covered on the outside with a mucous membrane with depressions called lacunae. They protect the body from pathogens and ensure filtration of everything that enters the mouth.

In the follicles that make up the tonsils, lymphocytes mature and are released onto the surface of the lacunae to destroy microbes. In a healthy person, the lacunae cleanse themselves.

Why is rinsing prescribed?

When immunity decreases, the production of lymphocytes decreases, and an inflammatory process begins in the lacunae. As a result of the disease, the ability to cleanse itself decreases and the recesses of the tonsils become clogged with purulent plugs.

The person’s health deteriorates and the following appears:

• heat,
• severe sore throat
• difficulty swallowing.

With frequent such manifestations, doctors diagnose chronic tonsillitis. And rinsing is prescribed to prevent the spread of infection to other organs.

This stops the exacerbation of tonsillitis and in some cases eliminates the need for surgical intervention to remove the tonsils. Washing is almost painless, as doctors use modern equipment to carry it out quickly.

Important! It is dangerous to clean lacunae on your own due to the risk of damaging the delicate mucous membrane of the palate and pharynx.

How to gargle for a sore throat?

The content of the article:

• How and what should you gargle with a sore throat?
• Causes of sore throat
• Symptoms of a sore throat
• How do gargles help with sore throat?
• Basic rules for gargling for adults and children with sore throat
• How can you gargle with a sore throat at home?
• Gargling for a sore throat
• Preventive measures

How and what should you gargle with a sore throat?

Many of us, with a high temperature, weakness in the body and a sore throat, do not immediately turn to the question “What to gargle with a sore throat?” Most often, such symptoms are considered to be a common cold without any thought that it could be a sore throat. However, this is completely wrong, because such spontaneity can greatly negatively affect health and life if a person develops complications of a sore throat.

Causes of sore throat

A sore throat develops as a result of an infectious or inflammatory process that occurs in the tonsils and lymph nodes of the nasopharynx. The infection spreads almost unhindered into the oral cavity through nasal polyps, gum inflammation and deep caries. Often, a sore throat accompanies more serious viral diseases - influenza, typhus or syphilis, as well as an ailment such as streptococci, which become more active in conditions of high humidity, cold and poor nutrition.

Treatment of sore throat, depending on the complexity of the disease, involves taking certain medications for gargling.

Symptoms of a sore throat

In the most common cases, the development of sore throat symptoms manifests itself within 10-48 hours after infection. The standard symptoms of a sore throat include the following:

• formation of purulent plaque on the tonsils;
• headache;
• redness of the throat;
• temperature rise to 38 degrees;
• the appearance of severe sore throat;
• joint weakness;
• feeling of body aches;
• enlarged lymph nodes in the neck and under the lower jaw.

Below are effective options for gargling solutions that will greatly facilitate the treatment process. However, it must be borne in mind that any gargle for a sore throat helps if they are used correctly.

How do gargles help with sore throat?

Any product or solution for gargling for sore throat, when used appropriately, provides:

• reduction of itching and sore throat;
• softening purulent crusts and removing plaque;
• relieving the inflammatory process;
• reduction of symptoms of the disease;
• softening the mucous membrane, which is severely damaged under conditions of infection;
• blocking the development of pathogenic microorganisms;
• healing effect on the mucous membrane;
• accelerating the healing process.

Also, when using a special solution for rinsing the throat and mouth, a person prevents the process of fungal growth in the oral cavity, which occurs as a side effect when taking antibacterial drugs.

However, there are rules that must be followed to gargle effectively. If you ignore them, then this procedure may not only not help, but also have a negative effect in the form of complications.

Basic rules for gargling for adults and children with sore throat

Gargling for a sore throat should be done subject to the following rules:

1. Age restrictions must be taken into account. Children under 3 years of age should not rinse as they may choke.
2. The temperature of the liquid for effective and safe rinsing should be comfortable, at room temperature. Otherwise, you can get a burn to the mucous membrane, which will cause additional sore throat or negatively affect the immune system.
3. Procedures must be carried out regularly. Only with a constant positive effect on the irritated mucous membrane can one hope for a quick and effective recovery. If treatment occurs with the use of medications, then rinsing should be done 3 times a day (more according to the doctor’s recommendations). If the treatment is based on natural herbal infusions, then they can and should be carried out an unlimited number of times.
4. Eating is carried out only 30 minutes after rinsing.
5. Treatment of herpes sore throat must occur under the supervision of a doctor. The herpes type of sore throat involves the presence of a rash and pustules, so the doctor usually prescribes a course of antibiotics. However, it is highly not recommended to carry out treatment at home without the participation of a doctor.
6. A preliminary study of the instructions for each medication is a prerequisite for its use. If treatment is carried out with home remedies, then you need to remember about the presence of individual intolerance to certain components. Pregnant women especially need to be careful when treating sore throat at home.
7. For purulent sore throat, it is necessary to gargle with remedies, regardless of their origin, several times. The first portion of the solution is spat out, and subsequent portions linger in the mouth for a short time. This approach will increase the effectiveness of the procedure.
8. Gargling for lacunar sore throat must be carried out until the throat is completely healed. The indicator will be complete cleansing of the oral cavity from plaque and fungus. Typically this period is up to 10 days.

By listening to the tips listed above, you can significantly speed up the healing process and protect the body from various complications.

How can you gargle with a sore throat at home?

For sore throat, you can use the following herbs, remedies and gargles:

1. Herbal infusions. These are excellent helpers in the fight against sore throat and preventing its development. You can use both single-component infusions and complex formulations that include various herbs. Alcohol-based infusions are prohibited for children under 7 years of age - this must be remembered. Water infusions are safe regardless of age. To prepare a solution of several herbs, you can use the following plants - chamomile, eucalyptus, wormwood, calendula, mallow, sage, elderberry, bay leaf, plantain, linden, aloe, violet and St. John's wort. It is most beneficial to use fresh herbs for infusion, but dried ones will also give positive results. To prepare, you need to pour 200 grams of the plant with boiling water (2 liters), cover with a lid and let it brew. It must be used when the liquid reaches room temperature. The prepared volume is enough for about 5 rinsing procedures.
2. Propolis. A gargle is easy to prepare at home, but is very effective and harmless if a person does not have an individual intolerance to it. If the first signs of an allergy appear, then it is better to stop the procedures and choose other options for gargling. Allergy symptoms are simple - itchy skin, sneezing and redness. Propolis smells good and tastes good, so it is perfect for children. To prepare an infusion based on propolis, you need to boil 200 ml of water and add 20 g of propolis, continue to simmer for about 15 minutes, then strain and cool to room temperature. You need to gargle up to 6 times a day.
3. Apple cider vinegar. This treatment option is effective for coughs or viral diseases. To prepare, you need to dissolve 2 tbsp. vinegar in 0.5 cups of warm water. Add 0.5 teaspoon of salt and stir. If a sore throat is accompanied by a cough, then it is necessary to replace the salt with honey.
4. Salt. This product for gargling for sore throat is the most harmless and at the same time effective. Thanks to the gentle effects of salt, the mucous membrane actively heals. An adult can gargle with salt even for 1 hour without breaks - this will not cause any harm to the body or well-being of a person. To prepare, add 1 tsp to 1 glass of warm boiled water. salt and 1 tsp. soda, and also add 2 drops of iodine.
5. Soda. Among the benefits of using this substance for gargling, it is necessary to highlight the instant relief of inflammation, removal of bacteria and pus, healing of the mucous membrane, and disinfection. However, it is not advisable for pregnant women in the first trimester to use this treatment option for sore throat (it can cause vomiting). Soda rinses are also prohibited for people suffering from stomach ulcers and small children (soda getting into the stomach is extremely harmful). Also, with frequent use of soda, the mucous membrane of the throat becomes dry, so it is necessary to carry out such procedures in doses. To prepare a soda solution for rinsing, add 1 tsp to 1 glass of boiled warm water. soda and stir.

The options listed above for gargling at home for a sore throat give good results, but do not forget about precautions.

Interesting on the topic: Gargling with soda

Gargling for a sore throat

There are also medications that are also effective in treating sore throat. However, it is imperative to consult with your doctor in advance regarding the use of certain medications.

What medications are suitable for home use:

1. "Chlorhexidine." The drug effectively fights pus and eliminates bacteria in the oral cavity, speeds up the healing process and relieves sore throat. It should not be used during pregnancy or for children. If the drug is ingested, it is necessary to rinse the stomach with activated carbon - it must be drunk at the rate of 1 tablet per 10 kg of weight. For the rinsing procedure, you need to use 1 tbsp. l. facilities. After the procedure, you should not consume food or liquid for 2 hours so that the medicine remains on the mucous membrane. Frequent use will stain tooth enamel and affect the sense of taste, but these effects will quickly disappear.
2. "Furacilin". The drug has a strong antimicrobial effect. It is quite safe, but it is not recommended to swallow it. It is allowed to use during pregnancy, but after consulting a doctor. To prepare, you need to dissolve 2 tablets in 1 glass of warm boiled water. You should gargle at least 2-4 times a day. During acute tonsillitis - at least 7 times. The addition of hydrogen peroxide (1-3%) or calendula is allowed. You can use a ready-made solution of Furacilin, which can be purchased at any pharmacy.
3. "Miramistin". The drug has virtually no contraindications except for individual intolerance, which rarely happens. It can be used by children and pregnant women (as well as during lactation). You can use it from 4 to 10 days. For children under 6 years old, 1 click on the bottle is enough to rinse, from 7 to 14 years old - 2, for adults - 4-6 clicks. Also for children you can dilute the drug with water in a 1:1 ratio.
4. Hydrogen peroxide. It is better not to use the product to treat children, but if the need arises, it is necessary to dissolve 1 tablespoon of peroxide (3%) in half a glass of warm water. It is not recommended to use it in its pure form.

When using any medications, you must always consult a doctor to avoid complications of the disease.

Preventive measures

To minimize the risks of angina, it is necessary to take preventive actions. They mean the following:

1. General and specific hygiene. Use only your own towels, toothbrushes, and dishes. Isolate yourself from the rest of your household if you are sick.
2. Proper balanced nutrition. Food should have an optimal ratio of vitamins, microelements, proteins, carbohydrates and fats. During the winter-spring period, be sure to add vitamin C to your diet, since at this time there is a catastrophic lack of it in food.
3. Timely treatment of diseases such as sinusitis, pyelonephritis, rhinitis, dental caries, helminthiasis. If you often have chronic tonsillitis, consult your doctor regarding further treatment tactics. Partial or complete removal of the tonsils is necessary; physiotherapy is effective in the treatment of chronic tonsillitis and pharyngitis.

Additionally, regular physical activity and strengthening the immune system are useful for preventing sore throat.

Types of washing

Purpose of appointment: to remove pus from the lacunae and treat them with a drug. After this, the patient's condition improves significantly.

Specialists carry out the procedure in different ways:

• 
  Washing the tonsils

  syringe. A solution is drawn into a 20-gram syringe. Instead of a needle, a special nozzle with a curved end is put on so that the solution falls directly on the stopper. The liquid under the pressure of the piston is fed into the lacuna and flushes it.
• Vacuum method of washing tonsils . The tonsils are anesthetized, a vacuum suction cup is attached to them, through which the purulent contents are pumped out. After this, the medicinal composition is pumped into the lacuna.
• Ultrasonic washing of tonsils . The cleaning principle is based on a combination of cavitation and ultrasound. Air bubbles form in the washing liquid, and when they rupture, the membranes of microbial cells are damaged.

The Kuntsevo Medical Center has modern otolaryngological equipment, which allows the operation to be performed as quickly, efficiently and painlessly as possible.

Methods for washing tonsils: which one to choose?

Washing the tonsils is, of course, not a surgical operation, but it should be performed by an otolaryngologist. In no case should you try to do this yourself or with the help of relatives, since if done incorrectly, you can not only not eliminate the symptoms of chronic tonsillitis, but also “drive” the disease deeper - then it will be difficult for the doctor to cope with the consequences. In addition, you can unknowingly injure the palate and the tonsils themselves.

The two most common methods of washing the lacunae of the palatine tonsils today are with a syringe and a device that combines the effects of ultrasound and vacuum. Which method is preferable?

Flushing with a syringe. In a regular district clinic, the patient will most likely be offered to rinse the tonsils with a syringe. A cannula is attached to it (a special brass rod with a replaceable tip). The patient is required to sit for a while with his mouth open to gain access to the infected tonsils.

Before starting the procedure, the surface of the larynx is treated with an anesthetic (lidocaine) - this will reduce the discomfort. In general, the procedure is considered painless and lasts about 10 minutes. During its implementation, liquid is pumped out from the cavities of the tonsils, purulent plugs, small pieces of stuck food, pathogenic microbes and the remains of their vital activity are cleansed. At the same time, the surface of the pharynx and lacunae are irrigated with special solutions that help stop inflammatory processes.

Washing the tonsils using the vacuum method. Recently, the second method of washing the tonsils has been increasingly used - with a vacuum apparatus called “Tonsilor”. It works like a kind of micro-vacuum cleaner, sucking out the pathogenic contents of the lacunae, freeing and cleaning them. Rinsing the tonsils with Tonsilor uses ultrasound, which effectively extinguishes inflammation, has analgesic properties, and helps the fluid actively penetrate into the tissue.

How is the procedure performed?

All rinsing methods are based on exposing the tonsils to a stream of disinfecting solution or vacuum. Cleaned tonsils are treated with medications.

Processing each tonsil takes from 30 seconds to 1.5 minutes. The time depends on the choice of type of cleaning of the lacunae and the depth of damage to the lacunae.

Important! Before the procedure, you cannot eat for 1.5-2 hours. This is due to the fact that rinsing provokes a gag reflex.

To prevent possible discomfort, the doctor treats the tonsils with a local anesthetic with lidocaine or novocaine in the form of a spray.

Contraindications

Treatment of lacunae is not prescribed for patients with:

• exacerbation of other chronic diseases, including caries;
• cancer diagnoses;
• in the 1st and 3rd trimester of pregnancy;
• pathology of the retina;
• severe pathologies of the heart and blood vessels;
• up to 3 years of age.

For hypertension, consultation with a specialized specialist is required.

Important! It is necessary to warn the doctor about any existing individual intolerance to drugs.

Recommendations after procedures

Rinsing the lacunae of the tonsils is a physical effect on the inflamed tissue, so after cleansing, discomfort and mild pain are possible.

You cannot eat immediately after the procedure, the first meal should not be earlier than 30 minutes later. It is necessary to regularly gargle with miramistin, furatsilin solution, infusion of chamomile, oak bark.

Washing the tonsils is not a very pleasant procedure, but it is done quickly. Its effectiveness has been proven by many years of use for the relief of chronic tonsillitis.

When should you wash your tonsils?

The fact is that pathogenic microorganisms and dead leukocytes not only accumulate inside the tonsils, but they also cannot leave their location, since inside the tonsils there are many voids and tortuous “passages”. If you influence them with the same drug, then sooner or later addiction occurs - microorganisms (streptococci and staphylococci) become resistant, adapt to the antibiotic, and it is no longer powerless to cope with them. This is where a special procedure comes to the rescue - washing the tonsils.

Washing the tonsils is prescribed to a person who has long suffered from chronic tonsillitis with constant exacerbations, who feels constant weakness, soreness in the throat, in the cervical and submandibular lymph nodes.