Sore throats can bring significant discomfort, making everyday activities like eating and talking challenging. Many people seek comforting remedies, and a common question is whether a milkshake can truly help alleviate symptoms.
Immediate Soothing Effects
A milkshake can offer immediate, temporary relief for a sore throat through its physical properties. The cold temperature provides a numbing sensation, which can help dull the pain and reduce inflammation in the irritated throat tissues. The smooth, creamy texture also coats the throat, providing a soothing layer that can ease scratchiness. This lubrication can make swallowing less painful, offering a brief respite from discomfort. These effects are symptomatic, addressing soreness rather than the underlying cause.
Nutritional Contributions During Illness
When a sore throat makes eating solid foods difficult, milkshakes offer an easy source of calories and fluids. Swallowing discomfort can reduce food intake, affecting nutrition and hydration during illness. Milkshakes, being liquid and smooth, bypass chewing and minimize painful swallowing, making them palatable when appetite is low. They help maintain caloric intake and contribute to hydration, supporting the body’s recovery.
Important Considerations and When to Seek Help
While milkshakes can offer comfort and some nutritional support, it is important to consider their limitations. Many contain high amounts of sugar, which can temporarily suppress the immune system, hindering the body’s ability to fight infection. Some individuals report dairy products, including milkshakes, make mucus feel thicker or more irritating. This sensation is often due to the fluid’s texture rather than increased mucus production, as scientific evidence does not consistently show milk increases mucus.
A milkshake is a temporary measure for comfort and does not address the root cause of a sore throat. Most sore throats are caused by viral infections and resolve within a few days with home care. Certain symptoms, however, warrant medical attention. Seek professional medical advice if a sore throat:
Persists longer than a week
Worsens
Is accompanied by a high fever (over 100.4°F or 38°C)
Causes severe pain
Leads to difficulty breathing or swallowing
Results in excessive drooling
Includes a rash
Shows pus on the tonsils or swollen lymph nodes
These signs could indicate a more serious condition, such as a bacterial infection like strep throat, which may require specific medical treatment.