Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow It WorksTypesHow to Use Throat SprayShould Anyone Not Use It?Alternatives
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How It Works
Types
How to Use Throat Spray
Should Anyone Not Use It?
Alternatives
Throat spray is an over-the-counter medication that is taken to relieve symptoms ofsore throat, itchiness, and pain.It numbs the area sprayed which will relieve symptoms but does notcure a sore throat.
This article discusses how to use throat spray and the types of spray available. It also discusses who should not use throat spray.
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How Throat Spray Works
A sore throat makes swallowing or talking painful. Causes of a sore throat includebacteria, viruses, andallergies.
Types of Throat Spray and Added Ingredients
There are two primary types of medication-based throat sprays:
Non-medicated throat sprays contain other ingredients that can alleviate mouth and throat pain.Elderberryis a supplement that is made and sold as a throat spray. Some research shows elderberry can relieve the symptoms of upper respiratory infections.However, more research on elderberry sprays is necessary.
For phenol spray, let the spray medication stay in the mouth and throat for 15 seconds.
Benzocaine/mentholspray should be gargled and swished throughout the mouth and throat for one minute.
Do not swallow either medication spray after allowing it to sit in the mouth and throat. Spit it out.
How to Not Let Throat Spray Cause GaggingIf the throat spray is causing gagging, hold the spray nozzle farther away from the mouth. Other ways to reduce gagging could include trying a different spray flavor, a throat spray with a different active ingredient, or not using a throat spray and sucking on throatlozengesinstead.
How to Not Let Throat Spray Cause Gagging
If the throat spray is causing gagging, hold the spray nozzle farther away from the mouth. Other ways to reduce gagging could include trying a different spray flavor, a throat spray with a different active ingredient, or not using a throat spray and sucking on throatlozengesinstead.
Should Anyone Not Use Throat Spray?
Other important notes about throat spray:
Throat Spray Alternatives
Sore throats can make working, playing, and daily activities difficult. If throat sprays are not effective (or for those looking for other options), there are several throat spray alternatives to help alleviate symptoms:
Summary
Throat sprays are a convenient over-the-counter medication for relieving the pain and irritation associated with sore throats. The spray numbs the throat, providing temporary relief. It does not treat the underlying cause of the sore throat. Make sure to follow the medication label directions and contact a healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or do not improve.
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.DailyMed.Chloraseptic sore throat citrus-phenol spray.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sore throat.DailyMed.Vicks VapoCool Sore Throat- benzocaine and menthol spray.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Elderberry.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Strep throat.
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.DailyMed.Chloraseptic sore throat citrus-phenol spray.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sore throat.DailyMed.Vicks VapoCool Sore Throat- benzocaine and menthol spray.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Elderberry.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Strep throat.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
DailyMed.Chloraseptic sore throat citrus-phenol spray.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sore throat.DailyMed.Vicks VapoCool Sore Throat- benzocaine and menthol spray.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Elderberry.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Strep throat.
DailyMed.Chloraseptic sore throat citrus-phenol spray.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sore throat.
DailyMed.Vicks VapoCool Sore Throat- benzocaine and menthol spray.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Elderberry.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Strep throat.
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