what is the best treatment for a sore throat?

What is the best homemade remedy for a sore throat?

We generally get a sore throat because of:

• Common Cold
• Influenza
• Bacterial infection
• Allergic reaction
• Air pollution
• Smoking
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Muscle strain

Which is better for a sore throat?

You can also try:

• Chamomile tea
• Peppermint tea
• Warm soup
• Well-cooked vegetables
• Scrambled eggs

How to heal a sore throat naturally?

A sore throat isn’t exactly the end of the world, but when you have that scratchy, hurts-to-swallow feeling, you’re surely looking for relief beyond an endless stream of cough drops. What other scientifically-backed, at-home methods can you use to ...

What are the best teas for soothing a sore throat?

What are the best teas to drink for a sore throat?

1. Slippery elm tea. Slippery elm is an herb that’s been used as a natural remedy for centuries. ...
2. Licorice root tea. Like slippery elm tea, licorice root tea is a common alternative remedy for sore throats, reports the Mayo Clinic.
3. Horehound tea. ...
4. Chamomile tea. ...
5. Turmeric tea. ...
6. Green tea. ...
7. Combination teas. ...

How do I get rid of a sore throat quickly?

Regardless of the cause of your sore throat, these at-home care strategies can help you ease your or your child's symptoms:Rest. ... Drink fluids. ... Try comforting foods and beverage. ... Gargle with saltwater. ... Humidify the air. ... Consider lozenges or hard candy. ... Avoid irritants. ... Stay at home until you're no longer sick.

What is the best medicine to cure sore throat?

Here is the best medicine for a sore throat:Best overall: Chloraseptic spray, $6.79 on Walgreens. ... Best cough drops: Cepacol cough drops, $3.29 on Target. ... Best natural: Zarbee's Natural Honey Cough Soothers, $8.99 on Amazon. ... Best home remedy: Numi Throat Soother Tea, $4.93 on Amazon.More items...•

What is sore throat a symptom of?

A sore throat can also feel dry and scratchy. Sore throat can be a symptom of strep throat, the common cold, allergies, or other upper respiratory tract illness. Sore throat caused by a virus or the bacteria called group A Streptococcus can have similar symptoms.

How long should a sore throat last?

Sore throats, also known as pharyngitis, can be acute, lasting only a few days, or chronic, lingering on until their underlying cause is addressed. Most sore throats are the result of common viruses and resolve on their own within 3 to 10 days. Sore throats caused by a bacterial infection or allergies may last longer.

What to do when you have a sore throat?

4. Steam and humidity. The skinny: Take a hot shower. When it gets really steamy, breathe in the magic. Doctor’s advice: Steam loosens mucus and can moisturize and soothe a sore throat. 5. Hot toddy. The skinny: A hot toddy is a drink combo made with water, whiskey, honey and lemon juice and served hot.

What to do if throat pain is severe?

Have trouble swallowing, breathing or opening your mouth. Are coughing up blood or have blood in your saliva. Feel enlarged lymph nodes, or lumps, in your neck.

How to tell if you have strep throat?

Feel enlarged lymph nodes, or lumps, in your neck. Have white patches on the back of your throat or a rash, possible signs of strep throat or scarlet fever. Have a high fever. Lose your voice for more than a week or two. And remember, when it comes to illnesses, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of hot toddies.

How to stop coughing from cold?

2. Gargling. The skinny: Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt — or a similar amount of baking soda — in a glass of warm water.

What to drink to clear sinuses?

The skinny: Sip on warm drinks, such as tea or chicken soup. (It’s not just for the soul!) Or try cold liquids, such as ice water or popsicles. Doctor’s advice: Liquids help clear mucous membranes, keep things flowing and prevent sinus infections.

Can antihistamines make your throat worse?

But sometimes they go overboard, triggering symptoms (such as congestion and post-nasal drip) that can make a sore throat feel worse. Antihistamines can counteract this overreaction. Advertising Policy. 4.

Does baking soda help with acid reflux?

Baking soda also soothes the throat, breaks up mucus and can help with throat-irritating acid reflux. 3. Over-the-counter antihistamines and pain relievers. The skinny: An antihistamine may dull or relieve the throat pain.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Can a sore throat be rough?

Sore throat symptoms can be rough. Your saliva goes down like sandpaper, every cough makes you wince, and the only thing you can think about is making that lump in the back of your throat go away.

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.

How to help a sore throat?

Honey may be added to hot water or tea and lemon juice to help sooth a sore throat. Honey has some antibacterial properties and may help ease sore throat due to infection. There are also studies that show it may help ease a cough, which can contribute to sore throat pain.

What is the best medicine for a sore throat?

OTC pain medications such as acetaminophen ( Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen ( Advil or Motrin) or naproxen ( Aleve) can help relieve the pain and inflammation caused by a sore throat.

Why do hard candies help with sore throat?

Like lozenges or cough drops, hard candies can help because they stimulate the production of saliva and help keep the throat moist and lubricated, which can ease the soreness from a dry sore throat .

How to get rid of phlegm in throat?

Rinse the mouth with a warm saltwater gargle (1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water) and then spit it out. Don't swallow the salt, and don't use too much salt, as this could further dry out the sensitive throat membranes. Gargling with saltwater is an easy and economical way to help cleanse the throat and loosen phlegm.

Why does my throat hurt after tonsilectomy?

Sore throats may be caused by viral infections (including the common cold ), bacterial infections ( strep thro at is a common cause of sore throats), tonsillitis, and even pain following tonsillectomies (surgical removal of the tonsils ). While this article discusses home remedies that can help with the pain and symptoms of sore throat, ...

What is the best pain reliever for sores?

OTC pain medications such as acetaminophen ( Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen ( Advil or Motrin) or naproxen ( Aleve) can help relieve the pain and inflammation caused by a sore throat.

What is the best treatment for croup?

Treatment my incorporate the use of a humidifier, saline nasal spray, and pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen.

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 a sore throat?

It's likely strep or another bacterial infection. In this situation, you'll typically be prescribed antibiotics and can continue the at-home remedies to soothe your throat ...

What is the best way to heal a sore throat?

Some home remedies that can help a sore throat heal faster are saltwater gargle, lemon and honey, herbal teas, humidifiers, throat lozenges and hard candies. Nobody likes waking up with a sore throat.

How long does a sore throat last?

Sore throat pain associated with a virus is typically mild, lasts for a few days , and responds well to at-home treatment. If you have untreated strep throat or a condition like tonsilitis, you may have throat pain for much longer.

Why do I wake up with a sore throat?

Nobody likes waking up with a sore throat. A sore throat, or pharyngitis, is one of the top reasons people call out sick from work or visit the doctor's office. A sore throat is just what it sounds like — a soreness or discomfort inside your throat. It can be associated with many different illnesses or conditions, ...

Why does my throat hurt?

A sore throat may be caused by bacterial infections, viral infections, toxins, irritants, trauma, or injury to the throat area. Common symptoms of a sore throat include a fever, cough, runny nose, hoarseness, earaches, sneezing, and body aches. Home remedies for a sore throat include warm soothing liquids and throat lozenges.

What are the symptoms of a sore throat?

Sore throat pain from a virus typically appears with the following symptoms: Runny nose. Cough.

Why do I have a red rash on my throat?

Swollen tonsils, often covered with pus or white patches. Enlarged lymph nodes. Tiny red spots that appear on the roof of the mouth. Sometimes strep bacteria will cause a red rash that spreads across your body. This is called scarlet fever . There are many reasons you can develop a sore throat.

Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Alternative Medicine

• Your or your child's doctor may review the symptoms and medical history. He or she may conduct a physical exam that includes: 1. Using a lighted instrument to look at the throat, and likely the ears and nasal passages 2. Gently feeling the neck to check for swollen glands (lymph nodes) 3…

See more on mayoclinic.org

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