- Definition
- What is a sore throat?
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Symptoms
- Main symptoms of a sore throat
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At-home Remedies
- 7 at-home remedies for a sore throat
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Risks and Outlook
- Risks and outlook for a sore throat
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When to See the Doctor
- When to see your doctor
- Related Resources
- Related Resources - What Are 7 Home Remedies To Kill a Sore Throat Fast?
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 throat
If 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 gargle
Saltwater 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 lemon
Honey 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 tea
Some herbs help heal a sore throat. Three good options for relieving inflammation and pain are:
- Chamomile
- Raspberry
- Peppermint
Humidifier
Dry 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 candies
Sucking on a throat lozenge or candy helps produce saliva which can soothe your sore throat by keeping it from drying out.
Throat spray
A 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 medications
Over-the-counter pain medications, like or ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can also help alleviate throat pain and body aches.
Health News
Risks and outlook for a sore throat
Sore 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 doctor
If 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.
SLIDESHOW
A 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."