Soothing Remedies for a Post-Swim Sore Throat

Disclaimer: This post is intended to inform you only and not to take the place of a doctor’s advice. If you experience sore throat after swimming, or frequently, please see a doctor for a diagnosis.

Some people are just susceptible to the flu and related infections, including sore throats. If you belong to this group, then you know that all it takes is a small trigger, and something will flare up. If you experience irritation in your throat any time you swim, well, you need to know the best sore throat after swimming remedies.

In another article, we said you can swim with sore throat. However, what if you get in the water without an infection, yet get a sore throat after swimming?

Getting a sore throat after swimming is not all that common, but it is still there. If you experience this, don’t panic. You can administer some treatments, and you will be okay in no time at all.

Please remember to check with your doctor since no one should have recurring sore throat infections. However, if it is a one-off thing, you can try the remedies that we are going to discuss in this short post.

First things first … Can Swimming Cause a Sore Throat?

It is rare, and many people do not report getting sore throat after swimming. However, it is not entirely uncommon and here are some of the things that could be going wrong:

You have an allergic reaction: Chlorine or other chemicals in treated pools can trigger allergic responses in some individuals, causing throat irritation. In some people, swimming with a cough can make them feel worse, because of the chlorine.

Contaminated water: Improperly maintained pools or natural water sources can harbor bacteria or viruses that cause throat infections. Remember, people swim with yeast infection, there is fecal matter, viruses, urine in the pool and many other contaminants.

You have pre-existing conditions: Existing respiratory issues like asthma can make you more susceptible to throat irritation from chlorine or cold water. Swimming in cold water with asthma is not recommended. Talk to your doctor.

Should You Swim with Strep Throat?

Absolutely not! Strep throat, caused by bacteria, is highly contagious. Avoid swimming in public pools or shared bodies of water to prevent spreading the infection.

This is not like swimming with yeast infection, which cannot be spread through water. It is different. So if you know you have strep throat, avoid swimming unless you have a private heated swimming pool.

It is just not safe to swim in the pool when you have strep throat, but you should also avoid going to the poolside. The bacteria that cause strep throat can be spread through surface contact, so you can possibly leave them on the poolside chairs, rails, or other surfaces.

You might also ask whether you can go swimming with strep throat if you are on antibiotics. And the answer is no, you should not. It is just best to wait until you are healed.

7 Ways to Soothe Your Post-Swim Sore Throat

Sore throat is not too hard to self-treat at home, but remember what we said – see a doctor if you have had it longer than 7 days. Normally, it lasts between 2 and 7 days.

Here are a few ways that you can soothe your sore throat, after swimming:

Hydrate: Replenish the lost fluids with water throughout the day. Warm liquids like herbal teas can provide additional comfort. Drinking chicken soup can give you important nutrients and energy.

Gargle with saltwater: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in warm water and gargle gently several times a day. This helps reduce inflammation and promote healing. Usually, the sore throat infection disappears after a few days with this treatment.

Lozenges and throat drops: Opt for sugar-free options that soothe and moisturize the throat.

Honey (for adults only): A spoonful of honey can offer relief due to its antibacterial and soothing properties.

Run a humidifier: The moist air helps ease dryness and irritation. Just be careful not to over-humidify the air as that can cause serious health issues. Maintain the indoor humidity level at 30 to 50 percent. If you live in a place with high humidity, run a dehumidifier to lower it to 50%.

Rest your voice: Avoid talking too much to give your throat time to recover. When you have a sore throat, you get a hoarse voice.

Take over-the-counter pain relievers: Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can manage pain and inflammation.

Remember: If your sore throat infection worsens and persists for more than a few days, or is accompanied by fever, consult your doctor promptly.

Is Hot Water Good for Sore Throat?

When you feel that irritation in the throat, you will feel some level of comfort when you take hot soups, or water. The temperature doesn’t matter, so both cold and hot beverages offer some temporary comfort.

Warm water is generally recommended, as it can soothe and loosen mucus. However, avoid extremely hot water or prolonged exposure, as it can further irritate the throat.

The best remedy you can try is to gargle with warm, salty water. Again, do not add too much salt as it can make you gag and even throw up.

Since hydrating is very important when you have this infection, just take your water the way you like it. If you like it hot, doused with lemon and other herbs, take it. If you like cold, plain water, take it that way.

The hotness or coldness of the water does not enhance the healing of the infection. But don’t take ice, or any chilly drinks. Only take them at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Get Rid of a Sore Throat Quickly?

Unfortunately, there’s no magic cure. Most sore throats resolve within a week with proper care. Prioritize rest, hydration, and home remedies for faster recovery.

Can Chlorine Pools Make Your Throat Hurt?

Not usually for healthy individuals. However, if you have pre-existing respiratory conditions or allergies, chlorine exposure might cause temporary irritation.

How Do You Get Rid of a Sore Throat Fast Naturally?

The methods mentioned above, like gargling with salt water, using lozenges, and staying hydrated, can offer natural relief. However, they don’t guarantee a “fast” cure. For persistent or severe sore throats, seek medical advice.

Conclusion

Sore throat is a common infection, so you should not worry too much about it. After swimming, clean up properly under the shower to remove all traces of chlorine from the pool.

Choose to swim well-maintained pools, and be mindful of potential allergies. If you experience a sore throat after swimming, prioritize rest, hydration, and home remedies.

Consult your doctor if symptoms persist for more than a few days. By taking care of yourself, you can ensure a refreshing swim doesn’t turn into a throat tickle!