10 Home remedies for sore throat: You have probably experienced the symptoms of a sore throat once or several times in your life. Itching, scratching, and burning sensations 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 having to see your doctor immediately. Here are 10 ways to feel better when a sore throat occurs:
- gargling with salt water
- lozenges
- over the counter pain relievers
- honey
- Echinacea / Sage Spray
- hydration
- humidifier
- steam shower
- raise your head
- antibiotics
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Gargle with salt water
Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe a sore throat. Salt draws mucus out of inflamed and swollen 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 the mixture for several seconds and spit it out. Repeat these gargles several times a day.
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Suck on a pill
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 rush, any candy can have the same effect.
Candies and cough drops increase saliva production and help keep the throat moist. However, neither candy nor pills will relieve a sore throat as much as medicated pills or as effectively, and you may soon need relief again.
Avoid giving cough drops or candy to young children. Both represent a choking hazard.
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Try using over-the-counter pain relievers
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), viruses cause sore throats. Viruses cannot be treated with antibiotics, since these 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.
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A little honey will do you good
Hot tea sweetened with honey can help soothe a sore throat. Tea also hydrates you, which is another important step in treating 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, in addition to helping 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.
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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 sore throat as well as over-the-counter sprays.
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Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is an important part of a sore throat treatment. 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 option, as are hot teas or soups. However, hot tea or soup can burn the already tender throat and make the problem worse.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you further.
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Use a humidifier
Breathing moist air can help calm the inflamed tissue in the nose and throat. Use a cool mist humidifier to increase the amount of moisture in your room. You can buy humidifiers at most retail stores.
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Enjoy a steam shower
If you don’t have a humidifier, you can still reap the benefits of humid air. Breathing in the steam from 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 into 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.
You could also boil some water in a pot for 30 minutes to increase the humidity in your home. Add a tablespoon of menthol ointment, such as Vick VapoRub, to the boiling water to fill the air with the decongestant aromas of menthol.
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Raise your head
When you feel stuffy in addition to a sore throat, place one or two additional pillows under your head. The extra height will help you breathe easier. When the congestion is relieved, you won’t have to sleep with your mouth open, which can dry out your throat and make it hurt even more.
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Ask for a recipe
Viruses cause a sore throat, but sometimes the culprit can be a bacteria, such as strep, that causes strep throat. If your sore throat doesn’t go away or gets worse, or if you have a fever, see your doctor for a strep test. You may need an antibiotic.
If your doctor prescribes it, do the full treatment. Don’t stop taking the medicine, even if your symptoms go away and you start to feel better. Stopping the antibiotic could leave some bacteria alive that could make you sick again, and the bacteria that survive could stop responding to the antibiotic.
When should you see a doctor
You don’t have to endure a sore throat. Many over-the-counter treatments and home remedies can help you find a solution to pain and discomfort.
If the pain does not improve, see your doctor. Also make an appointment if:
- you feel a strong pain when swallowing
- you develop high fever
- you experience nausea or vomiting
Prevention
One way to avoid exposure to germs that cause a sore throat is to wash your hands with warm soapy water throughout the day. If you don’t have a sink nearby, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Wash your hands every time you touch common surfaces like door knobs or keyboards, when you shake someone’s hand, or are exposed to people who cough or sneeze.
Avoid being around someone who is sick. Do not share personal items such as toothbrushes, glasses, and silverware with anyone. And maintain the resistance of your body by eating and sleeping well, and exercising.
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