Fasting with sore throat? face with these 7 powerful tips

When fasting, your immune system can decrease so that you are more susceptible to attack by viruses and bacteria. You may also experience strep throat due to a bacterial infection. So what should be done to keep fasting smooth even though you have sore throat? Check out below some healthy tips for fasting when sore throat strikes.

When should you see a doctor for a sore throat?

Basically, sore throat is not a serious type of infection. This disease will be cured in about a week. However, in some cases strep throat can cause complications that are quite worrying. Especially if you have a disease that attacks your immune system, such as HIV / AIDS or cancer.

You should also see a doctor immediately if the inflammation doesn't heal even after a few weeks, a high fever above 38 degrees Celsius, difficulty swallowing or breathing, passing urine, or your voice is gone.

Tips for fasting when you have a sore throat

Depending on the health condition of each, you can actually fast when you have a sore throat. However, pay close attention to the following guidelines so that fasting remains smooth and sore throat can heal quickly.

1. Breathe through the nose, not through the mouth

While you are fasting, don't breathe through your mouth. Breathing through your mouth will make your throat even drier and sore. However, if you also have a cold, you may unconsciously breathe through your mouth because of a stuffy nose. So, make sure you always breathe from your nose.

2. Wear a mask and talk less

Like breathing through your mouth, talking a lot will also make your throat feel even drier. This is because when talking, air and various foreign particles such as dust will enter the throat through the mouth.

So as much as possible limit talking during laryngitis. To avoid air, dust, dirt, bacteria, or foreign particles that enter your mouth and make your throat more irritated, wear a mask throughout the day.

3. Avoid air or dry room

Room or dry weather will reduce the production of saliva and mucus in the throat. As a result, inflammation can get worse. So, avoid rooms or open places where the air is dry.

If possible, apply a humidifier (air humidifier) and avoid using a fan. If you are using an air conditioner (AC), set it so that the temperature is not too cold and the wind does not blow too hard at you.

4. Gargle with salt water

Salt water has been shown to reduce irritation and inflammation in the throat. So, you can gargle with salt that has been dissolved in a glass of warm water at dawn, breaking the fast, and before going to bed.

When gargling with salt water, don't swallow the water. Just gargle while looking up for a few seconds. Make sure the liquid touches the throat, then discard the water. If the salt water tastes too strong for you, mix it with a teaspoon of honey.

5. Open and sahur with a food menu that is easy to swallow

So that irritation does not get worse, choose a menu that is easy to swallow, such as chicken soup. Avoid fried foods, crackers, or thick coconut milk foods, which may make your throat hurt even more. Make sure you also drink lots of water after breaking the fast until it's time for sahur.

6. Inhalation of hot vapors

If your throat feels very dry and uncomfortable, try inhaling the steam from hot water. Bring enough water to a boil and pour it into a bowl. Then place the bowl under your face and breathe normally. Let the vapor be inhaled through the nose.

To prevent the steam from dissipating quickly, you can cover your head and bowl with a towel or cloth. Repeat this several times a day to make your throat more comfortable.

7. Take breaks

In order to keep fasting when you have a sore throat, rest can be the key. An internist, dr. Jeffrey Linder from Boston, United States says that for the body to work against infection, you need to get enough rest. Make sure you get seven to nine hours of sleep a day. In addition, you should first avoid working overtime or staying up late.