How to treat a sore throat with an FSA
When a sore throat rears its ugly head, it can mean a variety of things. It can be the primary symptom in a bacterial illness like strep throat, or an oncoming cold or flu.
No matter the cause, a sore throat is a nuisance that may be around the corner now with the arrival of cold and flu season. Luckily, if you have a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA), you can stay a step ahead of the game!
Treat a sore throat with these FSA eligible products:
Steam Inhaler
These helpful devices create a fine mist that is used to penetrate the sinuses, nose and throat to provide relief for the worst cold and flu symptoms. In the case of sore throats, you guessed it, steam inhalers provide heat and moisture to alleviate pain in the throat. This is a type of natural expectorant that can make it easier to expel mucous buildup from your breathing passages to ease your discomfort and put you on the road to recovery. Best of all, a steam inhaler or vaporizer is FSA/HSA eligible!
Shop for MyPurMist Handheld Steam Inhaler
Saltwater Rinse
A quick at-home remedy for sore throats is the saltwater gargle, which can reduce swelling in the throat, loosen up mucous and flush any irritants present from the throat. A half of teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water should do the trick - just be sure not to swallow it!
Shop for Boogie Wipes, Saline Nose Wipes
Hot or Cold Therapy
Keep a sore throat and its related pain under control with soothing hot or cold therapy. Hot or cold therapy can provide all types of pain relief, whether it's for sinuses, tense shoulders, headaches and more.
Shop for Adult Hot and Cold Packs
Shop for Thermal-Aid Hot or Cold Therapy Animals for kids
Warm Liquids
Hot liquids like soup or tea can positively affect the treatment of sore throats by alleviating that dry, scratchy feeling. Not only do hot liquids soothe the throat, but they can help to loosen mucus from post-nasal drip and congestion.
Anti-inflammatory Meds:
Most often, sore throats are caused by viral infections that cannot be treated by antibiotics. Healthy foods and rest are top priorities and pain management is also important. The primary source of pain is inflamed skin in the throat, so an anti-inflammatory medication can help with that. An over-the-counter, non-steroid anti-inflammatory (NSAID), such as Advil or Aleve, can reduce this swelling and alleviate pain.
Throat Lozenges
The primary purpose of these lozenges is to spark saliva production, which can moisten the throat. Lozenges that contain menthol or eucalyptus can help as they have a cooling or numbing effect.
For the products you need to keep your family healthy year-round, be sure to visit FSAstore.com! We have the web's largest selection of FSA eligible products.