what is the treatment for sore throat

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 over the counter for sore throat?

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• RELIEVES YOUR COLD SYMPTOMS SO YOU CAN SLEEP BETTER. ...
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• CONTAINS ACETAMINOPHEN: A pain reliever/fever reducer than can help soothe your sore throat

What vitamins are good for sore throat?

Your sore throat will likely take a few days to go away, but you can get relief now by:

• gargling with salt water
• taking acetaminophen as recommended on the label
• treating yourself to an ice popsicle
• getting plenty of rest
• drinking warm, herbal tea
• staying hydrated

How to get rid of a sore throat?

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Which medicine is best for sore throat?

Acetaminophen or NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen and naproxen can take the edge off many cold symptoms, including your sore throat.

What causes sore throat?

The most common cause of a sore throat (pharyngitis) is a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. A sore throat caused by a virus resolves on its own. Strep throat (streptococcal infection), a less common type of sore throat caused by bacteria, requires treatment with antibiotics to prevent complications.

How can I treat a sore throat at home?

6 At-Home Remedies to Ease Your Sore ThroatGargling with Salt Water. ... Honey For a Sore Throat. ... Lemon to Boost The Immune System. ... Hot Sauce for Quick Pain Relief. ... Best Type of Tea for a Sore Throat. ... Humidifier to Open the Sinuses.

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.

What is the fastest way to cure a sore throat?

Lifestyle and home remediesRest. Get plenty of sleep. ... Drink fluids. Fluids keep the throat moist and prevent dehydration. ... 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.

How long do sore throats 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.

Does lemon cause sore throat?

However, citrus juices can make sore throats feel worse due to their acidity. This means they can irritate the already tender surface of the throat.

Does lemon and honey help sore throat?

Drinking tea or warm lemon water mixed with honey is a time-honored way to soothe a sore throat. But honey alone may be an effective cough suppressant, too. In one study, children ages 1 to 5 with upper respiratory tract infections were given up to 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) of honey at bedtime.

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 a sore throat?

To relieve the pain of a sore throat: Gargle with a mixture of warm water and 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of salt. Drink warm liquids that feel soothing to the throat, such as hot tea with honey, soup broth, or warm water with lemon.

How to get rid of a sore throat without treatment?

Most sore throats get better in a few days without treatment. Rest, warm liquids, saltwater gargles, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help soothe the pain of a sore throat at home. Strep throat and other bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics.

What to take for a sore throat caused by GERD?

Medications that reduce stomach acid can help with a sore throat caused by GERD. These include: Antacids such as Tums, Rolaids, Maalox, and Mylanta to neutralize stomach acid. H2 blockers such as cimetidine (Tagamet HB), and famotidine (Pepcid AC), to reduce stomach acid production.

What causes a sore throat in children?

Strep throat and other bacterial infections. Bacterial infections can also cause sore throats. The most common one is strep throat, an infection of the throat and tonsils caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. Strep throat causes nearly 40 percent of sore throat cases in children ( 3 ).

How long does a sore throat last?

a sore throat that lasts for more than a week. Summary: Most sore throats get better on their own, within a few days. Bacterial infections like strep throat need to be treated with antibiotics. See a doctor for severe symptoms like trouble swallowing or breathing, a stiff neck, or a high fever.

What doctor treats strep throat?

You can see a specialist who treats diseases of the throat, called an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor or otolaryngologist. Summary: Doctors diagnose strep throat based on symptoms, an exam of the throat, and a strep test.

Why does my throat hurt?

Most sore throats are caused by infections, or by environmental factors like dry air. Although a sore throat can be uncomfortable, it’ll usually go away on its own. Sore throats are divided into types, based on the part of the throat they affect: Pharyngitis affects the area right behind the mouth.

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 are the best medicines for a sore throat?

Certain pain-relieving medications can help control the pain from a sore throat. There are many possible pain-relieving OTC medications for a sore throat. Most of them consist of a pill or liquid taken by mouth.

Sore Throat Remedies

Pain relievers, numbing medications, demulcents, and antihistamines are considered some of the best medicines for a sore throat. But some people may decide that OTC medications are not the right choice for them. If you choose not to take these sore throat medications, there are several other remedies you can consider.

The bottom line

A sore throat — no matter its cause — can be quite painful and irritating. Thankfully, there are many OTC medications that can help soothe a sore throat. Some of the best medicines for a sore throat include pain relievers, numbing medications, demulcents, and antihistamines.

How to prevent sore throat?

You can help prevent sore throats by doing your best to stay healthy and keep others healthy, including: Clean your hands. Avoid close contact with people who have sore throats, colds, or other upper respiratory infections. Don’t smoke and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.

What causes a sore throat?

The bacteria group A strep, which causes strep throat (also called streptococcal pharyngitis) Allergies. Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke. Of these, infections from viruses are the most common cause of sore throats. Strep throat is an infection in the throat and tonsils caused by bacteria called group A Streptococcus ...

Why does my throat feel sore?

A sore throat can make it painful to swallow. 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.

How do you know if you have strep throat?

Symptoms of Strep Throat. The most common symptoms of strep throat include: Sore throat that can start very quickly. Pain when swallowing. Fever. Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus. Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth. Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck.

Why is my throat scratchy?

Or is your throat scratchy? You likely have a sore throat that’s caused by a virus. Most sore throats, except for strep throat, do not need antibiotics.

How old do you have to be to give a child cough medicine?

Children 4 years or older: discuss with your child’s doctor if over-the-counter cough and cold medicines are safe to give to your child for temporary symptom relief. Be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist about the right dosage of over-the-counter medicines for your child’s age and size.

Can you take cough and cold medicine at 4?

Cough and cold medicines: Children younger than 4 years old: do not use unless a doctor specifically tells you to. Use of over-the-counter cough and cold medicines in young children can result in serious and potentially life-threatening side effects.

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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