Sore throat pain is one of the most common ailments we experience, especially during cold and flu season. It can keep kids home from school, make eating difficult, or make you feel lousy. Sore throats can be itchy, scratchy, or painful and are often caused by viral or bacterial infections, irritants, allergies, or dry air.
When you have a sore throat, everyone knows you can pop into the nearest pharmacy and grab some over-the-counter lozenges or pain relievers. However, sometimes you’re just too tired to go out and grab medication, or maybe you prefer a more natural solution. If that’s the case, you’re in luck – here are five easy at-home remedies you can try before setting foot in a pharmacy or doctor’s office.
At-Home Sore Throat Remedies
Gargle Frequently
Gargling with a warm salt solution or plain old antiseptic mouthwash can help kill germs in your mouth and soothe your throat. You can easily make a saltwater gargle by mixing ½ teaspoons of salt into 8 ounces of salt water. Gargle the saltwater in the back of your throat for up to 1 minute, then spit it into the sink.
You can also try gargling with the following mixtures:
- Ginger, honey, and lemon in water
- Turmeric, salt and water
- Raspberry, clove, or green tea
- Apple cider vinegar, salt and water
- Baking soda and water
- Licorice water
Sip Some Tea
Warm beverages often soothe the symptoms of a sore throat. Sipping chamomile, marshmallow root, or slippery elm tea can relieve relief. You can also add honey to any cup of tea to coat and protect your throat. Just make sure tea is caffeine-free to avoid dehydration.
Even if you don’t like tea, it’s still important to stay hydrated in general. Drink plenty of fluids, including water, broth, or non-acidic fruit juice, and avoid things that will dehydrate you or irritate your throat, such as carbonated soda, coffee, and alcohol.
Indulge in a Cold Treat
While some people prefer warm beverages to relieve their symptoms, many find cold drinks or treats are more effective at soothing their sore throat. Sucking on ice cubes or drinking ice-cold water is an easy way to numb the pain in your throat without consuming tons of extra sugar. A popsicle or ice cream can add calories to your diet when swallowing solid foods is too painful.
Add Humidity to the Air
Dry air can dry out mucus, increasing the sensitivity of your throat and nasal passages. To restore some humidity, use a humidifier filled with fresh water. If you don’t have one handy, standing over a pot of boiling water, taking a hot shower, spending time in a humid bathroom, or breathing in the steam from a piping hot cup of water or tea can also help.
Get More Rest
You may feel weakness and fatigue along with your sore throat. If this is the case, your body is trying to tell you that it needs extra rest to recuperate faster. Lack of sleep makes people more susceptible to illness in the first place.
In addition to sleeping more, reduce the intensity of your workout or skip the gym altogether. Stay home from work, if possible, to reduce the chance of spreading your illness to others.
When to See a Doctor for a Sore Throat
Most sore throats will resolve on their own within a few days with rest, hydration, and self-care. However, if your sore throat is not improving or accompanied by other symptoms, it may be time to see a doctor.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider:
–Severe or persistent pain: If your sore throat lasts more than a week or is severe enough to affect your ability to swallow or breathe.
–Fever or swollen lymph nodes: These symptoms could indicate a bacterial infection, such as strep throat, that may require antibiotics.
–Rash or white spots in the throat: These may be symptoms of viral or bacterial infection that need medical attention.
–Difficulty swallowing or breathing: If you are having trouble swallowing or breathing, seek medical help immediately.
Treat Your Sore Throat at Allergy & ENT Associates in Houston, TX
A sore throat is usually caused by a minor viral or bacterial infection that clears up within a week or so. However, if your symptoms persist after trying at-home remedies and over-the-counter medicines, it may be time to seek an ear, nose, and throat specialist to rule out more serious medical problems. At Allergy & ENT Associates, our board-certified doctors can diagnose and treat your throat pain using a wide variety of methods. Call us at (713) MY-SINUS to schedule your appointment today!
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