
What is the fastest way to cure a sore throat?
Sore throat remedies such as raw honey, vitamin C and licorice root will help to ease your discomfort and speed up healing. There are also powerful essential oils for sore throat that can be used internally and topically to slow the growth of bacteria, ease swelling and reduce congestion.
What is the best pain reliever for sore throat?
You should go see your doc if you have a sore throat and experience any of these symptoms:
- Fever over 100.4°F
- Exudate (whitish or yellowish discharge) on tonsils
- Swollen lymph nodes in your neck
What is the best over the counter for sore throat?
- POWERFUL NIGHTTIME RELEIEF. ...
- RELIEVES YOUR COLD SYMPTOMS SO YOU CAN SLEEP BETTER. ...
- #1 PHARMACIST RECOMMENDED over-the-counter cold & cough medicine from Vicks, the world’s #1 selling cough & cold brand
- MULTI-SYMPTOM RELIEF. ...
- CONTAINS ACETAMINOPHEN: A pain reliever/fever reducer than can help soothe your sore throat
How to reduce throat swelling and pain naturally?
How to reduce swelling of throat and Treat A Strep Throat Infection
- Ginger Tea. What’s the simplest way of defeating any kind of infection? ...
- Apple Cide Vinegar ( ACV) Apple Cider Vinegar is probably the most widespread natural remedy of all times. ...
- Cayenne Pepper. Cayenne pepper works great against bacterial infections such as strep throat. ...
- Marshmallow Root. ...
- Matcha Tea. ...
- Slippery Elm. ...
- Licorice Root. ...
- Honey and Pepper. ...

What gets rid of throat ache?
6 home remedies to get rid of a sore throatWarm and cold fluids. Sip on warm drinks, like tea or chicken soup. ... Gargling. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt — or a similar amount of baking soda — in a glass of warm water. ... Over-the-counter antihistamines and pain relievers. ... Steam and humidity. ... Hot toddy. ... Rest.
What gets rid of sore throats the fastest?
16 Best Sore Throat Remedies to Make You Feel Better Fast, According to DoctorsGargle with salt water—but steer clear of apple cider vinegar. ... Drink extra-cold liquids. ... Suck on an ice pop. ... Fight dry air with a humidifier. ... Skip acidic foods. ... Swallow antacids. ... Sip herbal teas. ... Coat and soothe your throat with honey.More items...•
What helps a sore throat from Covid?
There's no medicine that can cure a COVID-19 sore throat, but there are things you can do to reduce your discomfort, says Galiatsatos. “For symptom relief, it's appropriate to take a pain reliever — acetaminophen does a great job. It's also important to stay well hydrated,” he says. Home remedies may also help.
Does Covid start with sore throat?
A sore throat is an early symptom of COVID-19, usually appearing in the first week of illness and improving quite quickly. It feels worse on the first day of infection but gets better on each following day.
Is Ginger good for sore throat?
Ginger may help sore throats in several ways. For example, it may provide some pain relief as an anti-inflammatory. It also boosts immunity to help fight infections that cause sore throat. Ginger contains bioactive compounds.
Does COVID affect your throat?
COVID can cause a sore throat, laryngitis and a cough, and some patients may have needed a ventilator with a breathing tube passing through the voice-box, which can cause an injury. Your voice may be weak and breathy or hoarse.
Is my sore throat COVID or allergies?
COMMON SYMPTOMS FOR ALLERGIES, COLD, FLU & COVID-19SYMPTOMSALLERGIESCOVID-19Shortness of BreathSometimes√WheezingSometimesSometimesLoss of SmellMild√Sore ThroatSometimesSometimes11 more rows
What medications can I take to relieve the symptoms of Covid-19?
Managing COVID-19 symptoms You can treat symptoms with over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), to help you feel better.
What to do if your throat is sore?
Treating bacterial infections. If your or your child's sore throat is caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor or pediatrician will prescribe antibiotics. You or your child must take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed even if the symptoms are gone.
How to get rid of a sore throat?
Fluids keep the throat moist and prevent dehydration. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you. Try comforting foods and beverage. Warm liquids — broth, caffeine-free tea or warm water with honey — and cold treats such as ice pops can soothe a sore throat.
How long does a sore throat last?
Treatment. A sore throat caused by a viral infection usually lasts five to seven days and doesn't usually require medical treatment. Antibiotics don't help treat a viral infection. To ease pain and fever, many people turn to acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or other mild pain relievers. Consider giving your child over-the-counter pain medications ...
Can you give a child a sore throat?
Either can soothe a sore throat, but don't give them to children age 4 and younger because of choking risk. Avoid irritants. Keep your home free from cigarette smoke and cleaning products that can irritate the throat. Stay at home until you're no longer sick.
Can antibiotics help with a sore throat?
If you or your child needs an antibiotic for a bacterial infection, don't rely on alternative treatments alone.
Can you use herbal medicine on a sore throat?
Check with your doctor before using any herbal remedies, as they can interact with prescription medications and may not be safe for children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people with certain health conditions. Herbal or alternative products for a sore throat are often packaged as teas, sprays or lozenges.
How to get rid of sore throat?
Gargle with salt water—but steer clear of apple cider vinegar. Salt water is a great home remedy for sore throat, as it can reduce swelling and calm inflammation and irritation. It may also help draw infections or irritants to the surface of your throat, where your body is better able to deal with them.
How to stop throat from clearing?
Pop a pain reliever. Ibuprofen can help put a stop to the coughing and throat-clearing that prevents your sore throat from healing, Dr. Finkelston says. Just be sure to take your ibuprofen with food, and follow the dosing instructions on the label. 10. Try a nasal decongestant.
What to do if you have acid reflux and you lie down?
Eating before you lie down can promote reflux and heartburn. Swallow antacids. If you think acid reflux is to blame for your sore throat, taking antacids or other reflux meds could help relieve pain, Dr. Finkelston says. As a first-line treatment, try an over-the-counter antacid such as Tums or Mylanta.
What to do if you have a sore throat after cheering?
Give your voice a rest. If you developed a sore throat after yelling and cheering at a concert or sporting event, you likely strained your vocal cords. The best treatment for any overworked muscle is rest. “It’s similar to a sprained ankle—walking on it hurts,” Dr. Griffiths says.
How to stop a sprained ankle from hurting?
Drink extra-cold liquids. Those first few swallows may not be pleasant. But just as icing a sprained ankle can dull the pain and prevent swelling, drinking icy liquids can both numb your throat and calm some of the inflammation that’s causing you pain, Dr. Finkelston says. Suck on an ice pop.
How to get rid of a swollen throat from ice water?
Just be sure to steer clear of citrus flavors which can trigger acid reflux and in turn, worsen your symptoms. Fight dry air with a humidifier.
How to recharge your immune system?
Finkelston says. Aim for at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. 15. Take a steam shower. Steam helps humidify your airways, says Dr. Griffiths.
How to get rid of sore throat?
Salt Water. While salt water may not provide you with immediate relief, it is still an effective remedy for killing bacteria while loosening mucus and easing pain. Simply mix half a teaspoon of salt into 8 ounces of warm water and gargle away . 2.
How to get rid of sore throat from a swollen throat?
Mix one teaspoon of lemon juice into a glass of warm water and drink for quick relief.
What teas help with sore throat?
There are many different kinds of herbal teas you can try for quick sore throat relief. Clove tea and green tea both contain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to fight against infections while providing relief. Raspberry, chamomile, and peppermint tea are great choices for relieving pain and reducing inflammation. Chamomile tea can also serve as a natural lubricant, so if your voice is hoarse and you’re having difficulty speaking, this may be your best option. Additionally, peppermint tea can naturally numb your throat and alleviate your pain. When choosing the best tea for your sore throat, you may also want to check the caffeine content.
Why does my throat hurt in winter?
Dry air, especially during the harsh, cold days of winter, may be the cause of your sore throat. A humidifier will keep the air moist and open your sinuses. Add in a tablespoon or two of vapor rub or hydrogen peroxide solution to provide additional relief.
How to cure a sore throat from hot sauce?
So, while it may burn at first, dropping a few drops of hot sauce into a warm glass of water to gargle may just be the right remedy to cure your sore throat. 5. Tea. There are many different kinds of herbal teas you can try ...
How long does it take for a sore throat to go away?
They are typically caused by infections including the common cold, flu and strep throat and while they tend to be quite painful, they often go away within a week.
What is the best tea for hoarse voice?
Raspberry, chamomile, and peppermint tea are great choices for relieving pain and reducing inflammation. Chamomile tea can also serve as a natural lubricant, so if your voice is hoarse and you’re having difficulty speaking, this may be your best option.
What to do if you have throat pain?
If you are having severe throat pain and/or you are having difficulty swallowing due to the severity of your pain, your doctor may prescribe gluco corticoids (like prednisone or dexamethasone). 34 . You can also use any over-the-counter throat sprays or lozenges to help relieve your pain.
What is the best medicine for throat pain?
Regardless of the reason you are experiencing throat pain, there are several treatments that can help you control your level of pain. Aspirin, NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or naproxen), and Tylenol (acetominophen) all are very effective in controlling the pain associated with a sore throat.
What does it mean when your throat hurts?
If an infection is causing your throat pain, you will likely have other symptoms such as a fever, cough, fatigue, or sore muscles. 14 . It can be difficult to tell the difference between a bacterial and viral cause of throat pain at home. Because strep throat can lead to serious complications if left untreated, when in doubt, you should get tested.
What causes a sore throat?
6 The resulting infected mucus that runs down the back of the throat can cause a sore throat. Allergies: Dust, mold, or dander allergies, in particular, can cause the post-nasal drip that contributes to your sore throat. 7.
Why does my throat hurt?
Throat pain is extremely common and can be caused by a variety of ailments that affect most of us at some point in our lifetime. Some of the most prevalent causes of a sore throat may include a cold virus, acid reflux, or allergies. 1 . Throat pain can also make it difficult to eat and drink.
How to prevent sore throat from viral infection?
The most effective means for preventing a sore throat caused by a viral or bacterial cause is hand washing. Thorough hand washing for at least 20 seconds—ensuring that you clean your fingernails down to your wrists— can greatly reduce your risk for acquiring an infection. 37 Hand sanitizing lotions are a good alternative means when you are not near a bathroom.
What are the symptoms of a swollen throat?
The following conditions are actual emergencies. You should call 911 or go to the emergency room if you experience throat pain accompanied by: 1 Persistent drooling 2 Inability to swallow 3 Difficulty breathing
Best medicine for a sore throat
Chloraseptic is the best thing for a sore throat, as all our doctors say it provides fast sore throat relief.
Best home remedy for sore throat
Numi Ginger Lemon Tea has ingredients to deliver sore throat relief and tastes good.
Best sore throat medicine for kids
Little Remedies Sore Throat Pops are sore throat medicine kids will actually like taking.
What else we considered
Ricola Original Herb ($4): While Ricola products do the trick, the herbaceous taste and fragrance can be off-putting. These are worth a try if you don't mind an earthy, medicinal taste (or if you've lost your sense of taste and smell).
How to find the best medicine for a sore throat and cough
All the medicine for a sore throat included in our guide was reviewed by our physicians who regularly treat cold and flu symptoms. What's more, I tested them all myself for their throat-coating and -numbing abilities as well as for their taste.
FAQs
Sore throat medicine won't kill the virus or bacteria causing your pain. But the best medicine for a sore throat will help provide temporary relief, particularly Chloraseptic spray, which helps numb your throat with just a few sprays in a matter of seconds.
What is the best medicine for a sore throat?
Acetaminophen. Drugs with this ingredient affect the areas of your brain that control body temperature and pain. These medications can fight fevers and chills, ease headaches, and soothe sore throats and body aches.
What do you want when you're sick?
When you're sick, all you want is to feel better. It may take a while for your body to fight off what ails you, but relief from your aches and fever can come sooner.
How to get rid of a fever?
Stay cool. Place a damp washcloth on your forehead, arms, or legs. Or take a slightly warm (not hot) bath. Both things can help bring down your fever. Don't overheat . If you get the chills, remove extra clothing and blankets. Bundling up causes your body's temperature to rise, making chills worse. Eat healthy foods.
Why does my throat hurt?
A sore throat can be due to moderate conditions, such as influenza (flu), upper respiratory infection, or adenoid disorder. A sore throat can also accompany quite serious conditions, such as airway obstruction, throat trauma, epiglottitis, or tumor of the larynx.
What is a sore throat?
In some cases, sore throat may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. These include: Cancers of the throat and esophagus.
What does it mean when your throat is sore?
A sore throat can be a sign of an infectious or inflammatory process , many of which can be treated without serious difficulties. Some conditions can be easily treated with self-care measures at home, such as moist air and anti-inflammatory medications, or with antibiotics prescribed by your health care provider.
What is the name of the tube that connects your mouth to your esophagus and windpipe?
Your thoat is the tube that connects your mouth to your esophagus and windpipe. The technical name for the throat is pharynx, which explains why a sore throat may also be referred to as pharyngitis, meaning inflammation of the throat.
What are the symptoms of a sore throat?
If your sore throat is making it too difficult to swallow or you have a high fever, difficulty breathing, or pus in the back of your throat, seek prompt medical care. Other potentially serious symptoms include drooling, a rough rash, and swollen neck lymph nodes. If your sore throat is persistent, recurrent, or causes you concern, see your doctor.
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause a sore throat?
Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions can also present with a sore throat. Because there are so many different possibilities, some of which are life threatening, it is important to contact your doctor to address your concerns and answer your questions.
1. A Scratchy Throat Can Be an Early Sign of Omicron
Some healthcare providers noticed that sore throat was a common symptom early in the omicron COVID-19 wave, says Scott Weisenberg, MD, an infectious-diseases specialist and a clinical associate professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health in New York City.
3. Both Vaccinated and Unvaccinated People Can Have an Omicron Sore Throat
If you get COVID-19 now, there’s a good chance you’ll have a sore throat, whether or not you’re vaccinated. “The nonspecific symptoms, such as sore throat and runny nose, are happening more or less equally in both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals,” Galiatsatos says.
6. Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers and Home Remedies Can Help Your Sore Throat
There’s no medicine that can cure a COVID-19 sore throat, but there are things you can do to reduce your discomfort, says Galiatsatos.
7. Taking an At-Home Test to See if That Sore Throat Is COVID-19? Follow the Instructions That Come With Your Test
The CDC recommends testing either when symptoms develop or, if you don’t have symptoms, five to seven days after exposure to someone with COVID-19. That should give ample time for the body to develop a viral load that can be detected by a test, according to the agency.
What does it mean when your throat hurts?
Body Aches and Sore Throat. Many illnesses start out with the same symptoms: body aches and pain in throat. These generic conditions can mean anything from the common cold to the beginnings of pneumonia. Even though they may not seem that serious in the beginning, if they continue and even progress, you should seek medical attention ...
What are the symptoms of a sore throat?
Besides having a sore throat, other symptoms include: Headache. Moderate to high temperature. Muscle aches and joint pain. Swollen glands. Rash on the skin. 4.
What causes a sore throat and a sore throat?
Conditions That Can Cause Body Aches and Sore Throat. 1. Common Cold. With over 100 types of viruses that create the "common cold" it's no wonder this illness is one of the major reasons that people head towards the doctor's office at the first sign of a cough or sneeze. Out of all of the different types of virus, ...
Why is it so hard to swallow?
This condition makes it difficult to swallow because of a painful or scratchy throat. The back of the throat becomes swollen towards the back in between the larynx and tonsils.

Diagnosis
Treatment
- Take warm liquids
- Gargle with saltwater
- Rest your voice
- Avoid dry air; use humidifiers
- Avoid irritants such as alcohol
- The sore throat lasts longer than a week
- Difficulty breathing, swallowing or opening your mouth
- Joint pain
- Earache, rash, fever
- Phlegm and (or) blood in phlegm
- Sore throat or hoarseness keeps recurring
- A lump in your neck
See a doctor immediately if you notice:
- Your child has difficulty breathing and swallowing associated with the sore throat
- Your child is drooling
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