A Guide to Using Sore Throat Sprays

Sore throats are extremely common and can cause a lot of irritation and discomfort. Although not usually serious, sore throats can negatively impact our day-to-day life, preventing sleep and making eating and swallowing difficult. 

Sore throats usually go away on their own after a week or so, however, there are things you can do to help relieve your symptoms. One such remedy is a sore throat spray, which has become an increasingly popular treatment used to tackle the issue. In this article, we look at using throat sprays for a sore throat, and how effective they are.

How Do I Use a Sore Throat Spray?

Sore throat sprays are small, pocket-sized devices that are used to target inflamed throat tissues. You simply need to spray directly into the back of your throat using the nozzle. Most throat sprays only require use every 2 to 3 hours. 

It's likely that you may swallow a small amount of the liquid, and in small doses, this isn't a problem. However, you should never attempt to drink the contents of the bottle, as ingesting too much could cause harm.

Are Throat Sprays Effective?

The anaesthetic used in throat sprays (usually benzocaine) works by blocking the pain pathway and not only soothes the area but numbs it too, so you can’t feel it anymore. The tissue absorbs the liquid instantly, providing quick and effective relief.  The nozzle ensures precision when you apply, targeting a specific area and providing pain relief exactly where it’s needed.

It’s important to remember that while a throat spray temporarily relieves the pain, there are other measures you should take alongside it as well. Most importantly, make sure you’re drinking enough water, as dehydration can make your throat become dry and therefore more painful.

Throat Sprays at Weldricks

Here at Weldricks, we offer a range of throat sprays to help treat a sore throat. These products are available in a variety of flavours to suit all tastes, and we also have options specifically for children. 

Browse our relevant products:

Should You Use Throat Spray or Lozenges?

Historically, throat lozenges have been the go-to when looking to treat a sore throat. A lozenge is a small tablet that dissolves slowly in the mouth, soothing irritated tissues of the throat and tickling coughs. But are they as effective as throat sprays?

Both can be effective treatments, but unlike lozenges, which will numb the entire mouth, throat sprays have a directional nozzle which helps to ensure the spray is delivered straight to the site of pain. They provide quick and targeted relief in a matter of seconds, making them a very efficient and effective option.

Using Throat Spray for a Cough

One of the main benefits of throat sprays is that they can also help relieve other conditions too, such as a cough. A cough will often make your throat feel worse, and vice versa, so it's a good idea to use a throat spray to help get rid of it. 

However, throat sprays won't be effective for other cold-like symptoms such as a stuffy nose or fever, so consider a decongestant or paracetamol to treat this instead.

What are the Symptoms of a Sore Throat?

If you have a sore throat, you may experience the following:

• Pain in the throat, particularly when swallowing
• Redness in the back of your mouth
• A dry and scratchy throat
• Swollen neck glands
• A cough

What Causes a Sore Throat?

Sore throats are usually caused by viruses such as a cold or the flu, or from smoking cigarettes. Occasionally they can be caused by bacteria. 

The causes of a sore throat include:

• Laryngitis
• Strep throat
• Glandular fever
• Tonsillitis

Home Remedies to Treat Sore Throats

Alongside throat sprays and lozenges, there are lots of other things you can do to help relieve your symptoms, including:

• Drinking plenty of water
• Eating cool foods
• Avoiding smoking
• Gargling with warm, salty water (children should not do this)
• Resting

When to Visit a Doctor

Sore throats are usually nothing to worry about, but you should go and visit your GP if:

• Your sore throat doesn't improve after a week
• You have a very high temperature 
• You have a weakened immune system
• You get sore throats often

Shop Sore Throat Sprays at Weldricks

Alongside our selection of sore throat sprays, we also offer a range of other options to help tackle a sore throat, including Vicks Vaporub, Covonia Lozenges, and Difflam Sore Throat Rinse. Browse our full selection of products to treat cold and flu symptoms.