Recurrent throat infections? Here’s what you can do about it
Recurrent sore throats tend to occur when your immune system is a little weakened. And anyone who has ever had a sore throat knows just how unpleasant it can be. That’s why it’s important to tackle the underlying cause of the inflammation. In this blog, you’ll learn exactly what you can do to prevent recurrent sore throats.
How do you know if you have a sore throat?
If you are dealing with a sore throat, you can recognise it by a number of symptoms. It often starts with mild symptoms that get worse after a few days. These are the symptoms of a sore throat that you can recognise:
- Sore throat when swallowing and speaking
- A strange sensation in the throat and neck, which may feel like irritation
- Swollen tonsils, which are sometimes coated in white
- A dry throat that may feel scratchy
- Increased mucus in the throat
- Hoarse voice
- Fever, fatigue and headache
It usually starts with just a dry sensation, after which you find it difficult to swallow. The symptoms can then worsen quite quickly, particularly if you suffer from throat infections frequently.
Why does a sore throat keep coming back so often?
If you have a recurring sore throat, this usually means your immune system is weakened. When this is the case, you are more susceptible to viruses and bacteria. It may also be that your resistance is lower due to, for example, stress or poor sleep.
It may also be that you have a chronically irritated throat, for example because you shout or sing a lot. However, a common reason for a recurring sore throat is that you do not allow yourself to recover fully from the first infection, leaving the area vulnerable. So if you have a sore throat, it is perfectly fine to stay at home for a day.
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7 tips for dealing with a recurring sore throat
To tackle a recurring sore throat, it’s not just important to look at the symptoms. At this stage, it’s actually wise to look at the triggers of the infection. This way, you can address the underlying cause and resolve the issue. Below, you can read what to do if you have a sore throat.
1. Ensure you get plenty of rest and recovery time
Especially with a recurring infection, it is important to allow yourself to recover properly. Trying to carry on too soon often prevents your body from recovering properly, causing the infection to keep coming back.
2. Always support your immune system
Recurring symptoms often indicate a weakened immune system. Therefore, always look after your immune system by getting enough sleep, reducing stress, eating well and using red light therapy.
3. Moisturise your mucous membranes daily
Moisturise your mucous membranes to keep your throat soft. A dry throat is more prone to irritation and infections. Drink plenty of water and, if necessary, warm drinks to keep the mucous membranes strong.
4. Reduce external triggers
A strained throat is often caused by smoke, dry air, allergies or overuse of the voice. This puts strain on your throat. Limit these triggers to break the cycle of inflammation.
5. Give your throat plenty of rest
Give your throat a rest, even when the pain has eased. Your mucous membranes may still be sensitive. So give your voice a rest, particularly just after an infection, to ensure a full recovery.
6. Address underlying causes
A sore throat can also be caused by other physical conditions. These include post-nasal drip, heartburn or certain allergies. If you address these conditions, there is a good chance your throat will feel better as a result.
7. Use red light therapy
Red light therapy is often used for recurring throat complaints. This is because red light can repair tissues and support blood circulation. In addition, there are also forms of red light that strengthen the immune system, making you less susceptible to the causes of inflammation. We are referring here to intranasal red light therapy.
Does intranasal red light therapy help with a sore throat?
Intranasal red light therapy can be a very pleasant and effective aid for a sore throat. This is particularly the case when dealing with an inflammation that recurs regularly. This form of red light is administered via the nose, meaning you are not only stimulating your throat, but actually your whole body. This helps to:
- Reduce inflammation throughout the ENT area
- Strengthen the immune system
- Improve blood circulation and thereby speed up the recovery process
- Reduce mucus build-up, making the throat less prone to irritation
- Reduce the risk of recurring throat infections
Intranasal red light therapy is therefore not a way of suppressing symptoms, but rather of tackling the underlying cause. This is particularly helpful for recurring symptoms by strengthening the entire immune system.
IN-light intranasal red light therapy for throat complaints
The IN-light Pro is an intranasal red light therapy laser that offers the above benefits. You can use the laser entirely on your own, wherever and whenever you like. As you simply need to insert it into your nose, it takes no extra time, whilst you are working towards a full recovery and a stronger body.