^
Fact-checked
х

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.

If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

What to do for a swollen throat?

Medical expert of the article

Abdominal surgeon
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025

Swelling of the throat can occur due to a cold or as a result of an allergic reaction. This condition requires urgent action, since when the throat swells, breathing becomes difficult, there is a lack of oxygen and a person can suffocate.

Taking antiallergic drugs is the first thing to do when your throat swells after contact with allergens. Such drugs should always be nearby, especially if you have a tendency to allergies. You should also completely eliminate contact with the allergen and consult a specialist to avoid more severe consequences.

This reaction of the body occurs to plant pollen, some foods, household chemicals, nicotine, animal hair, dust, and also medications.

In case of throat swelling due to a cold in the initial stages of the disease, you can use soda gargles (1 teaspoon per 200 ml of water), gargles with herbal decoctions (chamomile, sage, St. John's wort), drink warm milk with honey to taste, warm tea with raspberry jam. Also, in case of throat diseases, it is recommended to drink potato juice, which will not only help relieve swelling, but also destroy bacteria.

In addition to traditional medicine, especially if the disease is in an advanced stage, it is necessary to take medications, both local and general. Local ones include inhalations, irrigation of the throat mucosa (ingalipt), sucking tablets (strepsils, angilex), antibiotics are prescribed for bacterial infections.

Where does it hurt?

What's bothering you?

What do need to examine?

How to examine?

Who to contact?

What to do if your throat is swollen due to allergies?

The first thing to do if your throat swells due to allergies is to call an ambulance, since only a qualified specialist can assess the severity of the condition and prescribe effective treatment.

If the condition is extremely severe, you should take a pill or give an injection with an antiallergic drug (erius, claritin, suprastin, dexamethasone).

If your throat is swollen, it is better to use injections, since swallowing a pill in this condition is problematic.

If not treated correctly (or not at all), serious consequences are possible, such as laryngeal stenosis, which causes suffocation.

What to do with Quincke's edema?

Quincke's edema is a severe allergic reaction of the body to food (citrus fruits, nuts, eggs, cocoa, spices, etc.), pollen, insect bites, and medications. With Quincke's edema, severe swelling of tissues and mucous membranes, pain, and a person suffers from suffocation appear.

The main treatment is carried out in several stages. First, the interaction with the allergen is completely eliminated, then calcium is prescribed to increase the tone of the nervous system, drugs that reduce atropine and histamine levels, a course of vitamins. The doctor also prescribes drugs to replenish the lack of C1 inhibitor in the body.

In hospital, for Quincke's edema, adrenaline is administered, then, depending on the lesions, diuretics, detoxifying, and antiallergic drugs are prescribed.

It is not advisable to treat Quincke's edema on your own, as this can provoke undesirable consequences. What to do with edema before the ambulance arrives, everyone needs to know. First of all, the victim needs fresh cool air, you can also apply a cold compress to the edema. If the condition worsens, you can give Fenistil, which will reduce the allergic reaction.

As an adjunctive treatment, you can use folk remedies for allergies, for example, fresh celery root juice (2 teaspoons three times a day).

More information of the treatment


The iLive portal does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
The information published on the portal is for reference only and should not be used without consulting a specialist.
Carefully read the rules and policies of the site. You can also contact us!

Copyright © 2011 - 2025 iLive. All rights reserved.