You have likely experienced the symptoms of a sore throat at one or more times in your life. The itchiness, the urge to scratch, and the burning sensation are not pleasant at all, especially if you have other cold symptoms or a more serious virus. A sore throat can make you feel truly miserable.
However, in most cases, you can find relief without immediately going to your doctor. Here are 10 ways to feel better when you have a sore throat:
gargle with salt water
lozenges to suck
over-the-counter pain relievers
honey
echinacea / sage spray
hydration
humidifier
steam shower
raise your head
antibiotics
1. Gargle with salt water
Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe a sore throat. The salt draws mucus out of the swollen and inflamed tissue and helps relieve discomfort.
The Mayo Clinic recommends combining 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of table salt with 4 to 8 ounces of warm water. Stir until the salt dissolves. Then gargle with the mixture for several seconds and spit. Repeat these gargles several times a day.
2. Suck on a lozenge
Some over-the-counter throat lozenges contain menthol, an ingredient that can gently numb the throat tissue. This can provide temporary relief from burning and pain. In a pinch, any candy can have the same effect.
Candy and cough drops increase saliva production and help keep your throat moist. However, neither candy nor lozenges will relieve a sore throat as well as medicated lozenges or as effectively, and you may soon need relief again.
Avoid giving candy or cough drops to young children. Both pose a choking hazard.
3. Try using over-the-counter pain relievers
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), viruses cause a sore throat. Viruses cannot be treated with antibiotics, as they only kill bacteria. Instead, the virus has to run its course in your body.
Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or naproxen (Aleve) can reduce inflammation and swelling in the throat. They can also relieve pain or itching.
4. A little honey will do you good
Hot tea sweetened with honey can help soothe a sore throat. The tea also hydrates you, which is another important step in treating a sore throat. Make a cup the next time your throat hurts.
You may want to consider choosing a green tea, which serves as an antibacterial, pain reliever, and is a rich source of antioxidants, as well as helping to reduce inflammation.
Honey has another benefit when you are sick. Research shows that it is an effective cough suppressant and works just as well as an over-the-counter medicine for this condition.
5. Try an echinacea and sage spray
Use a spray that contains a combination of echinacea and sage. A study published in the European Journal of Medical Research found that this herbal remedy relieves a sore throat just as well as over-the-counter sprays.
6. Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is an important part of treating a sore throat. When you become dehydrated, your body cannot produce enough saliva and mucus to keep your throat naturally lubricated, and this will worsen swelling and inflammation.
Water is a good choice, as are hot teas or soups. However, hot tea or soup can burn an already sensitive throat and make the problem worse.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can further dehydrate you.
7. Use a humidifier
Breathing moist air can help soothe inflamed tissue in your nose and throat. Use a cool steam humidifier to increase the amount of humidity in your room. You can buy humidifiers at most retail stores.
8. Enjoy a steamy shower
If you don't have a humidifier, you can still reap the benefits of humid air. Breathing in the steam produced by a hot shower will help reduce swelling and ease the discomfort of a sore throat.
You can also create steam by running very hot water in a sink. Put a towel over your head and lean over the sink to breathe in the steam. Keep breathing deeply for several minutes and repeat as many times as necessary; This will help relieve a sore throat.
