Home Articles Medicines and Remedies

 Most of us suffered from a burnt mouth / tongue after having gulped down a hot beverage or some piping hot food at some point or the other. However, swallowing food or liquids that are too hot could sometimes result in a burnt throat too. Some people also experience a sore, burning sensation in their throat after throwing up a couple of times, as the gastric juices and acids come into direct contact with the throat tissues.

You will know that you are suffering from a burnt throat when the area feels really raw and sore all the time. You will also experience other discomforts like –

• Severe pain
• Itchiness and irritation 
• Difficulty in swallowing 
• Extreme dryness
  

Since a burnt throat does not seem like a serious problem, most of us tend to ignore it and let it heal on its own. Left untreated, this affliction usually takes about a week to ten days to get better. You can try to alleviate the painful symptoms and speed up the healing process by following a few simple self-care steps at home –

• Allow all your foods and beverages to cool for 5 to 10 minutes, before consuming them

• Avoid any foods that are hot, sharp, spicy, sour, crunchy or crisp

• Drink plenty of fluids, especially plain, cool water, during the day

• Gargle with cold water, at regular intervals, around 3 to 4 times a day

• Have a spoon or two of honey, as it eases irritation and regenerates burned tissue

• Sip on some cold milk or have a few spoons of cold, unflavored yogurt

• Suck on an ice-cube, some ice chips or a frozen popsicle for temporary relief

• Take an over-the-counter painkiller, to relieve the severe ache in your throat

• Try some lozenges or cough drops to ease the irritation and itchy feeling in the throat

You could also use liquid Aloe Vera as a mouthwash, by gargling with about half a cup daily. This will soothe the burnt area, enabling the tissues to heal faster.

While a burnt throat is not a serious medical condition, it should be checked and treated without any delay. This is because it can lead to complications like –

• Breathing problems (because of excess swelling)
• Infections 
• Blistering 
• Fever
  

Therefore, if the throat does not seem to get any better within 3 or 4 days in spite of following the home treatment steps mentioned above, it is important that you consult a doctor. It is also best to check with a healthcare provider before taking any medication for the burnt throat.

References

• http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003116.htm

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

 More articles from the Medicines and Remedies Category