how to prevent sore-throat

Throat itch is usually the first sign of sore-throat aka throat-infection. If no care is taken the itch can become severe and transform to burning sensation. Severe sore-throat can be painful and leads to cold, cough and fever. As the saying goes- prevention is better than cure -its easier to tackle a problem in its initial stages. Chewing granular-salt helps relieve the itch but its not advisable since the salt eventually is swallowed. The better way is to gargle with salt-water and spit it out. Gargling with warm salt-water is something doctors advise patients to reduce inflammation. Couple of gargles at a time relieves the itch significantly. After gargling, you must a layer of salt in your mouth and throat. Salt is a natural disinfectant. So don't eat or drink for some time and let salt do its work.

I've suffered this malady countless times which eventually led me to devise a way to control the problem. I started gargling three times everyday- morning, evening and night before going to the bed. However, the itch used to start when I was outside, especially while commuting. This is something which wasn't addressed until Corona virus pandemic started. The very thought of catching cold and undergoing Covid-19 tests was scary. I was super careful during the lockdown March and May.

In the first week of May we travelled from Bangalore to Dharwad. For the journey I carried some table salt and a spare water bottle. During the journey, I experienced mild itch which could be due to weather condition or psychological. I must've gargled a dozen times in the 9-hour journey. Ever since that day, its a habit to carry salt-water in a 500ml bottle wherever I go. Find a spot to spit and gargle soon after visiting any public place. A gargle after a meal or even a cup of tea or coffee removed any sugary and oily particles, the two main proponents of throat itch. Those who are using public transport often, do carry a pack of salt and a small bottle.

One may ask how much salt for a given quantity of water? Its simple, the salt water should be salty enough to leave the taste for few minutes i.e. it should almost reach saturation.

Salt has corrosive effect on metals. So its good to exercise care. Ensure the bottle cap doesn't leak. As a extra measure, keep the bottle in a plastic bag. 

Disclaimer: this is a suggestion to prevent throat itch, this not a cure. This suggestion is based on personal experience, this is not be taken as medical advise.

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