A sore throat might feel scratchy or make it painful to swallow. A sore throat refers to throat pain, itchiness, or irritation. However throat pain is the primary symptom. The pain may get worse when you try to swallow, making it difficult to consume foods and liquids.
Even if a sore throat isn’t serious enough for a trip to the doctor, it’s still painful and may prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep. You can use some of home remedies to soothe the pain and irritation.
Most sore throats are caused by viruses. Bacterial infections, such as strep throat, whooping cough, and diphtheria, are responsible for only a small percentage of sore throats.
This article explains some common causes of a sore throat, what people can do to ease it. Generally speaking, the remedies discussed below may help to ease a mild your sore throat.
Make a saltwater solution by adding a half-teaspoon of salt to a full glass of warm water. Gargle with it to help reduce swelling and keep the throat clear.
People with a sore throat should perform a saltwater gargle at least once every 4 hour.
Honey is just as effective as the cough suppressant Dextromethorphan at taming coughs in children. Dextromethorphan is an active ingredient in products such as Robitussin and Delsym.
The research concluded that honey was more effective at relieving symptoms than some traditional remedies. These remedies included antibiotics and the antihistamine diphenhydramine.
Marshmallow root is available:
The activity of various immune cells can contribute to inflammation, including in a sore throat.
A person should drink more water when exercising, if they are unwell, and if they are in a hot climate.
To use slippery elm, pour boiling water over powdered bark, stir it, and drink. You may also find that slippery elm lozenges help. Slippery elm is a traditional remedy for sore throat.
Slippery elm may slow the absorption of some oral medications. To prevent possible drug interactions, use slippery elm at least 1 hour before taking oral medications.
Anecdotal evidence suggests ingesting cayenne mixed with warm water and honey can help with sore throat pain, but this hasn’t been proven scientifically.
Start with a light sprinkle of cayenne or a few drops of hot sauce, as both can be very hot. Keep in mind that an initial burning sensation is common.
You should not take cayenne if you have open sores in your mouth.
It may also be a good idea to rest your voice as well. Actions such as talking loudly, singing, or shouting may further irritate your already tender throat.
Here are a few tips:
Symptoms of strep throat include:
Anyone with a sore throat linked to COVID-19 should try to stay at home. Most people will have a mild illness and get better without medical attention.
Steam or Humidity
Dry air can further irritate a sore throat. Adding some additional moisture to the air can help.For example, inhaling steam can help to ease a sore throat. To do this, add just-boiled water to a bowl. Drape a towel over your head and breathe normally, allowing the steam to enter in through your mouth and nose.
Do this for 10 to 15 minutes. You may need to add more just-boiled water to the bowl to keep it steamy.
Another option is to turn your shower to a hot setting and shut the bathroom door. Once the bathroom steams up, you can inhale the warm, humid air.
Another option is to turn your shower to a hot setting and shut the bathroom door. Once the bathroom steams up, you can inhale the warm, humid air.
Salt Water Gargle
Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe a sore throat and break down secretions. It is also known to kill bacteria in the throat.Make a saltwater solution by adding a half-teaspoon of salt to a full glass of warm water. Gargle with it to help reduce swelling and keep the throat clear.
People with a sore throat should perform a saltwater gargle at least once every 4 hour.
Peppermint
Peppermint contains the compound menthol, which helps thin mucus and calm sore throats and coughs. And hence it is well known for its ability to freshen the breath.It also has anti-inflammatory properties as well as some antibacterial and antiviral qualities.In addition, many peppermint teas are available for purchase, you can also make your own.
Place some dried peppermint leaves in boiled water and let the mixture sit for a few minutes. After a few minutes have passed, strain the tea and allow it to cool slightly.
Diluted peppermint oil sprays may also relieve sore throats.
Diluted peppermint oil sprays may also relieve sore throats.
Honey
Honey mixed in tea or taken on its own is a common home remedy for the symptoms of a sore throat.Honey is just as effective as the cough suppressant Dextromethorphan at taming coughs in children. Dextromethorphan is an active ingredient in products such as Robitussin and Delsym.
The research concluded that honey was more effective at relieving symptoms than some traditional remedies. These remedies included antibiotics and the antihistamine diphenhydramine.
Baking soda gargle
While the saltwater gargle is more commonly used for Sore throat. However, gargling with a baking soda-saltwater mixture can also help relieve a sore throat. This oral solution can kill bacteria and prevent the growth of fungi.Fenugreek
The herb Fenugreek is available in many forms. You can eat Fenugreek seeds, apply Fenugreek oil to the skin, or drink Fenugreek tea. Fenugreek tea is a common remedy for sore throats.Apart this it can also helps in pain relieve such as menstrual cramps.
Chamomile Tea
Naturally soothing Chamomile tea has long been used for medicinal purposes, including treating a sore throat. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and astringent properties.It may also stimulate the immune system to help your body fight off the infection that caused your sore throat in the first place.
Marshmallow Root
Marshmallow root, a type of herb, contains mucilage, a mucus-like substance that coats and soothes a sore throat. Marshmallow root can be helpful for irritations of the respiratory tract, which may include sore throat.Marshmallow root is available:
- As an Herbal Tea
- As a Tincture
- As an Capsule
Soup or Broth
Soup is supposed to be a tried-and-true remedy for respiratory and throat conditions. You’ve probably heard many anecdotes about this remedy, but an older study also supports its use.The activity of various immune cells can contribute to inflammation, including in a sore throat.
Stay hydrated
It may seem obvious, but drinking water is an effective way to help sore throats. Dehydration can often cause a sore, dry throat. Drinking water will help remedy this.A person should drink more water when exercising, if they are unwell, and if they are in a hot climate.
Slippery elm
Like marshmallow root, slippery elm also contains mucilage. When mixed with water, slippery elm forms a slick gel that coats and soothes the throat.To use slippery elm, pour boiling water over powdered bark, stir it, and drink. You may also find that slippery elm lozenges help. Slippery elm is a traditional remedy for sore throat.
Slippery elm may slow the absorption of some oral medications. To prevent possible drug interactions, use slippery elm at least 1 hour before taking oral medications.
Cayenne pepper or hot sauce
Often used as a pain reliever, cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, a natural compound known for blocking pain receptors.Anecdotal evidence suggests ingesting cayenne mixed with warm water and honey can help with sore throat pain, but this hasn’t been proven scientifically.
Start with a light sprinkle of cayenne or a few drops of hot sauce, as both can be very hot. Keep in mind that an initial burning sensation is common.
You should not take cayenne if you have open sores in your mouth.
Rest
At the end of the day, resting up may be just what you need. If you feel a sore throat coming on, try to take it easy and ensure you’re getting enough sleep.It may also be a good idea to rest your voice as well. Actions such as talking loudly, singing, or shouting may further irritate your already tender throat.
Sore throat remedies for infants and Kids
Sore throats in infants and in young kids are definitely not fun, but the good news is that they rarely signal a medical emergency on their own. Still, infants and children may require different treatments than adults.Here are a few tips:
- Add a cool mist humidifier to your child’s room.
- Moisture in the air can help relieve sore throat pain.
- Keep children hydrated by encouraging them to drink as much as possible.
- Avoid juices or ice pops with lots of citrus, since they’re acidic and may cause irritation.
- Children under 5 years should not be given hard lozenges or anything else that might pose a choking risk.
- Use caution when giving lozenges to elementary-school-aged children.
- Do not give honey to children who are younger than 1 year old.
What to avoid ?
If you have a sore throat, exposure to certain foods or environmental factors can worsen your symptoms. While you’re recovering, try to avoid the following things:- Dry air
- Smoking or secondhand smoke
- Air pollution
- Potential allergens such as pollen, mold, or pet dander
- chemical fumes, such as those from household cleaners.
- Consuming Alcohol.
- Acidic foods or drinks, such as citrus, tomatoes, or carbonated beverages.
- Foods that are dry or rough, such as pretzels, chips, or popcorn.
- Spicy foods.
On herbal remedies
Be careful when using herbal remedies, and be sure to buy them from a reputable source. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t monitor herbs and supplements for quality or safety.Frequently asked questions about sore throats
Here are some additional questions you may have regarding sore throats.How long does a sore throat last?
The exact amount of time that a sore throat lasts can depend on what’s causing it. Many sore throats go away on their own within 1 week.
It’s important to see a doctor if your sore throat doesn’t improve after 1 week. Also see a doctor if your sore throat worsens, despite home remedies.
The exact amount of time that a sore throat lasts can depend on what’s causing it. Many sore throats go away on their own within 1 week.
It’s important to see a doctor if your sore throat doesn’t improve after 1 week. Also see a doctor if your sore throat worsens, despite home remedies.
What is the cause behind a sore throat?
There are several different causes of a sore throat.
They include viruses, such as those that cause colds, the flu, and COVID-19. Bacteria, specifically those that cause strep throat, can cause a sore throat too.
Allergies to substances such as pollen, mold, and pet dander are another possible cause. So are irritants in the environment, such as secondhand smoke, air pollution, or chemical fumes.
There are several different causes of a sore throat.
They include viruses, such as those that cause colds, the flu, and COVID-19. Bacteria, specifically those that cause strep throat, can cause a sore throat too.
Allergies to substances such as pollen, mold, and pet dander are another possible cause. So are irritants in the environment, such as secondhand smoke, air pollution, or chemical fumes.
How do I prevent sore throat?
There are a few steps you can take that may help you prevent sore throat.
Stay away from people who have an infectious illness such as the flu or strep throat. Wash your hands frequently.
Try to avoid spicy or acidic foods, which can irritate the throat. Also keep away from chemicals or smoke, as the fumes could cause inflammation.
There are a few steps you can take that may help you prevent sore throat.
Stay away from people who have an infectious illness such as the flu or strep throat. Wash your hands frequently.
Try to avoid spicy or acidic foods, which can irritate the throat. Also keep away from chemicals or smoke, as the fumes could cause inflammation.
How do I fight off an impending sore throat?
It’s not always possible to fight off an impending sore throat. However, there are some things that you can do if you feel a sore throat coming on.
Try resting up and limiting your exposure to things that may further irritate your throat. Also try reducing your stress levels, as high stress can negatively affect your immune system.
Sipping on warm liquids and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can help too. Using a humidifier can add moisture to dry air.
Try resting up and limiting your exposure to things that may further irritate your throat. Also try reducing your stress levels, as high stress can negatively affect your immune system.
Sipping on warm liquids and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can help too. Using a humidifier can add moisture to dry air.
When to consult a doctor?
People should speak with a doctor if:
The sore throat does not go away or worsens, within a few days they suspect they or their child may have strep throat
People should speak with a doctor if:
The sore throat does not go away or worsens, within a few days they suspect they or their child may have strep throat
Symptoms of strep throat include:
- Breathing difficulties
- Difficulty swallowing
- Blood in the saliva or phlegm
- Dehydration
Anyone with a sore throat linked to COVID-19 should try to stay at home. Most people will have a mild illness and get better without medical attention.
