Show What is a sore throat?A sore throat is a soreness or discomfort in your throat that can be associated with many different illnesses or conditions. Some home remedies that can help a sore throat heal faster are saltwater gargle, lemon and honey, herbal teas, humidifiers, throat lozenges and hard candies. Nobody likes waking up with a sore throat. A sore throat, or pharyngitis, is one of the top reasons people call out sick from work or visit the doctor's office. A sore throat is just what it sounds like — a soreness or discomfort inside your throat. It can be associated with many different illnesses or conditions, so a sore throat itself is typically only a symptom of a bigger concern. Depending on what’s causing your sore throat, a variety of approaches may help you find relief. 7 at-home remedies for a sore throatIf your sore throat is the result of a virus, you'll need to rest and let your body heal. Here are seven more things you can do at home to soothe the pain: Saltwater gargleSaltwater may not provide instant relief, but it's a way to kill bacteria, loosen mucus, and ease the pain. Mix half a teaspoon of salt with eight ounces of warm water, gargle, and spit. Honey and lemonHoney has antibacterial properties and helps reduce inflammation. It also acts as a natural cough suppressant. Lemon juice breaks up mucus and contains immunity-boosting vitamin C to fight your infection. Mix one teaspoon of lemon juice with two tablespoons of honey. Add it to a cup of tea or hot water, stir well, and sip away. Herbal teaSome herbs help heal a sore throat. Three good options for relieving inflammation and pain are:
HumidifierDry air is harsh on the throat and lungs, especially during the winter months. A humidifier will open your sinuses and keep the air in your room moist, making it easier to breathe. Lozenges or hard candiesSucking on a throat lozenge or candy helps produce saliva which can soothe your sore throat by keeping it from drying out. Throat sprayA throat spray with numbing agents like lidocaine or even an herbal mixture of echinacea and sage can relieve a scratchy throat. Spray your throat liberally a few times a day. Over-the-counter pain medicationsOver-the-counter pain medications, like or ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can also help alleviate throat pain and body aches. Health NewsRisks and outlook for a sore throatSore throat pain associated with a virus is typically mild, lasts for a few days, and responds well to at-home treatment. If you have untreated strep throat or a condition like tonsilitis, you may have throat pain for much longer. When to see your doctorIf your sore throat is severe, you have a rash, swollen tonsils, or a fever over 101 degrees that lasts for longer than a day, it's time to make an appointment with your doctor. It's likely strep or another bacterial infection. In this situation, you'll typically be prescribed antibiotics and can continue the at-home remedies to soothe your throat pain. SLIDESHOWA Cold or The Flu? How to Tell the Difference See SlideshowMedically Reviewed on 2/25/2021 References American Osteopathic Association: "Sore Throat." Centers For Disease Control and Prevention: "Sore Throat | Community | Antibiotic Use." News in Health: "Soothing a Sore Throat." Penn Medicine: "6 At-Home Remedies to Ease Your Sore Throat." What is the quickest way to get rid of a sore throat?Lifestyle and home remedies. Rest. Get plenty of sleep. ... . Drink fluids. Fluids keep the throat moist and prevent dehydration. ... . Try comforting foods and beverage. ... . Gargle with saltwater. ... . Humidify the air. ... . Consider lozenges or hard candy. ... . Avoid irritants. ... . Stay at home until you're no longer sick.. What helps a sore throat in 2 minutes?Gargle with salt water. Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe a scratchy throat. ... . Suck on a lozenge. ... . Try OTC pain relief. ... . Enjoy a drop of honey. ... . Try an echinacea and sage spray. ... . Stay hydrated. ... . Use a humidifier. ... . Give yourself a steam shower.. |