What Foods And Drinks Should You Have
Foods that are soft and very easy to swallow are usually safe to eat when you have a sore throat. The soft texture will help limit the amount of irritation to your throat. Warm foods and beverages can also help soothe your throat.
Some foods you may want to eat are:
- warm, cooked pasta, including macaroni and cheese
- warm oatmeal, cooked cereal, or grits
- gelatin desserts
- dry snack foods, such as potato chips, pretzels, or popcorn
- fresh, raw vegetables
- acidic fruits, such as oranges, lemons, lime, tomatoes, and grapefruits
In some people, dairy may thicken or increase mucus production. This may prompt you to clear your throat more often, which may aggravate your sore throat.
Relieve Your Throat With Hot Herbal Tea
The antioxidants found in herbal tea with the added antibacterial properties of honey help promote good health while delivering soothing relief to your sore throat.
NOTE: Honey should never be given to children under 1 year of age.
And a big bowl of chicken noodle soup really does much more than warm you up. Scientists have found that chicken soup has anti-inflammatory properties that help ease infections and loosen mucus. And, when swallowing is painful, soup is an important source of nutrition and hydration both of which are key to faster healing.
How To Get Rid Of A Sore Throat: At Home Remedies & Medication
There are several natural home remedies that can help you ease the pain of a sore throat.
In this article, Ill talk about what a sore throat is, and some common causes.
Ill outline some home remedies and medications that can help ease symptoms, as well as strategies that can help you avoid and/or minimize future sore throats.
Finally, Ill help you know when you should talk to a doctor about your symptoms.
Read Also: Mucus In Nose And Throat
Best Cough Drops For A Sore Throat
Cepacol cough drops are small to stash in a pocket and use two oral anesthetics to numb and soothe your throat.
Pros: They melt slowly for a long-lasting numbing effect, affordable
Cons: Pain relief only lasts about two hours, mild interactions with acetaminophen
Many people like a lozenge when they have a cough since the medicine is small enough to fit in your pocket or purse and it can be nice to suck on something soothing over time. If you prefer a cough drop or portability is your goal, Cepacol may make more sense than buying a bottle of Chloraseptic spray.
A 2018 study out of Germany found sucking on cough drops with benzocaine, among other ingredients, for three days significantly helped improve throat pain and made swallowing easier for folks with a sore throat. Meanwhile, an older 2012 study found similar benefits from lozenges with benzocaine alone.
For less than $4, Cepacol drops help to soothe and numb your throat, similar to Chloraseptic. But these cough drops use two oral anesthetics benzocaine and menthol instead of phenol.
There are two formulas: Cepacol Instamax which has the added cool of menthol, and Cepacol Extra Strength. We recommend Extra Strength since not everyone loves menthol. Also, it comes in honey lemon flavor, which means you can also drop the lozenge into hot tea if you want to dilute the medicinal flavor.
Do I Need An Antibiotic
The teams at Pew, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the University of Utah and elsewhere chose ear infections, sore throats and sinus infections because they generate 44 million antibiotic prescriptions a year.
Its only appropriate sometimes to prescribe antibiotics for these conditions. Strep throat is easily treated with antibiotics, and if a child with a middle ear infection has pus oozing out, a pediatrician will usually give an antibiotic. Sinus infections that linger may be helped with antibiotics.
But more sore throats and ear infections are caused by viruses, and an antibiotic will do nothing to help the patient. Sinus infections can sometimes involve bacteria but often are caused by viruses or fungi.
When an antibiotic is called for, it should be a basic one usually amoxicillin, the Pew team said. Thats not what people usually get, however.
The most commonly prescribed non-first-line antibiotics for sinus infections, middle ear infections and pharyngitis were macrolides , a class of broad-spectrum antibiotics frequently prescribed in outpatient settings, the Pew team wrote in their report.
However, macrolides are not recommended for sinus or middle ear infections and are recommended for pharyngitis only for patients with an allergy to the penicillin class of antibiotics.
Why would doctors prescribe the wrong drug?
Also Check: How To Make Throat Feel Better
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.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease or a tumor in the throat can cause a sore throat as well.
According to the , a viral infection is the most common cause of a sore throat.
Break Out The Humidifier
If your throat is aching, sitting in a room with dry air is bound to make it way worse. In order to avoid this unpleasant environment, try a humidifier This handy machine fills the air with moisture, making it much easier and more pleasant to breathe, which should calm your symptoms as a result.
But, too much indoor humidity can also be a problem, especially for people with certain allergies. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology , both mold an dust mites thrive in a damp environment. The ideal indoor humidity level: Between 40% and 50%, AAAI reports.
Read Also: How To Unblock Your Nose Instantly
Best Natural Remedies For A Sore Throat
Zarbee’s products are more than 96% honey, which is one of the best natural remedies for a sore throat as it helps suppress coughing.
Pros: Natural ingredients no processed sugars, artificial colors, or artificial flavors tasty
Cons: Expensive, not suitable for kids under 5
“Honey is great because it coats the throat,” Richard Bowen, PA-C, a primary care provider in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Georgetown, SC told Insider. This reduces the irritation, which is why some use honey to soothe burns. As an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral, studies show that honey can help with all kinds of healing.
Bowen says honey won’t get rid of your cold, but he does feel that it is a great natural remedy for a sore throat as it soothes the pain and irritation by tackling the inflammation.
In fact, naturopathic doctor Melanie Keller, ND, says that honey is her first recommendation for any cold symptoms. “Honey has been used both as food and medicine since ancient times.” She adds that research shows honey has an inhibitory effect on around 60 species of bacteria and some fungi and viruses.
We like Zarbee’s cough drops in particular because its formula is entirely honey and natural flavorings, so there’s more of the natural medicine and no processed sugars, artificial colors, or artificial flavors. The medicine comes in lozenge form, so it’s less messy than a liquid-based honey formula. And most of all, it tastes good.
Sore Throats And Children
Sore throats are very common in children. They are usually caused by a virus. The child will normally also have a runny rose, cough, sore ears, a fever, be tired and be off their food.
It is more likely to be strep throat if the child is older than 3 years and if they have swollen glands in the neck, swollen, red tonsils with white spots, a rash and vomiting.
If youre not sure about your childs symptoms, or you are worried, see your doctor.
Recommended Reading: Pain In Ear When Swallowing
When To Seek Medical Care
Talk to your doctor if you or your child have symptoms of sore throat. They may need to test you or your child for strep throat.
Also see a doctor if you or your child have any of the following:
- Difficulty breathing
Since bacteria cause strep throat, antibiotics are needed to treat the infection and prevent rheumatic fever and other complications. A doctor cannot tell if someone has strep throat just by looking in the throat. If your doctor thinks you might have strep throat, they can test you to determine if it is causing your illness.
Anyone with strep throat should stay home from work, school, or daycare until they no longer have fever AND have taken antibiotics for at least 12 hours.
If a virus causes a sore throat, antibiotics will not help. Most sore throats will get better on their own within one week. Your doctor may prescribe other medicine or give you tips to help you feel better.
More aboutC. diff
When antibiotics arent needed, they wont help you, and their side effects could still cause harm. Side effects can range from mild reactions, like a rash, to more serious health problems. These problems can include severe allergic reactions, antibiotic-resistant infections and C. diff infection. C. diff causes diarrhea that can lead to severe colon damage and death.
What Is The Best Home Remedy For Strep Throat
While there is no known cure for strep throat with home remedies, there are ways to treat the symptoms of sore throat. Some options to help alleviate the symptoms of strep throat at home include:
- Drinking plenty of warm liquids, such as hot tea, soups, or broth. This will alleviate some of the irritation of the sore throat and keep you hydrated. Adding honey, peppermint, licorice root, or ginger to your tea can also help soothe your throat.
- Eating something cold, like a popsicle, or sucking on hard candy or lozenges can also help relieve some of the throat soreness.
- Gargling with warm salt water may reduce swelling and irritation in the throat. Mix ¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt in 8 oz of warm water and gargle . This can be done every hour for relief.
- Getting plenty of rest to help your body fight the infection.
- Avoiding acidic foods that may irritate your throat, such as citrus fruits or tomatoes.
- Taking over-the-counter medications and pain relievers, such as Tylenol, Motrin, Aleve, or Advil may be used to help reduce fever and pain associated with strep throat.
- Running a humidifier can help keep mucous membranes moist and decrease some of the irritation caused by a strep throat infection.
Recommended Reading: Body Aches Sore Throat Cough
Give Herbal Supplements A Go
Licorice root and slippery elm are two long-established herbal supplements that can help relieve discomfort associated with a sore throat as well. They can be consumed easily in lozenge form and in tea form. Just be sure to read product labels carefully and follow any instructions provided.
Buy Now: .
Why Drink Tea When You Have A Sore Throat
Drinking fluids in general is especially important when you’re sick . Fluids help to keep your throat moist, which reduces pain and irritation in your throat.
Warm liquids such as tea and broth are especially soothing to an irritated throatall the more reason to enjoy a warm cup of tea! But aside from hydration, some teas can provide real health benefits and fight off illness.
While tea isn’t going to be able to treat serious illnesses on its own, many teas contain antioxidants, which are compounds that can help your body fight illnesses such as colds and other viruses. Some teas and herbal blends are anti-inflammatory, which can help reduce pain and swelling associated with colds.
And of course, what’s tea without a little honey? Honey is naturally antibacterial, and helps to coat the throat and soothe irritation. So next time you’re feeling under the weather, sip a few mugs of warm, soothing tea.
Read Also: How To Treat Pierced Ear Infection
Is A Sore Throat A Covid Symptom
Yes, a sore throat is one of the common symptoms of COVID-19. However, there are a lot of other illnesses, big and small, that cause a sore throat as well, including the common cold, the flu, strep throat, mono, GERD, as well as allergies, and dry air. If youre worried your sore throat is a sign of the coronavirus, the best way to confirm is to take a rapid COVID test or molecular lab test at a local facility or via an at-home COVID test.
How To Feel Better
Some ways you can feel better when you have a sore throat:
- Suck on ice chips, popsicles, or lozenges .
- Use a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer.
- Gargle with salt water.
- Drink warm beverages and plenty of fluids.
- Use honey to relieve cough for adults and children at least 1 year of age or older.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist about over-the-counter medicines that can help you feel better. Always use over-the-counter medicines as directed.
Read Also: Sore Throat Headache And Fever
Cough Syrup Lozenges Or Sprays
Sometimes that annoying scratch in your throat or incessant cough just won’t budge and you need additional remediespreferably those that come from the medicine aisle in the drugstore.
Enter: Cough syrup, throat lozenges, and throat sprays. For a dry cough, look for medicines that contain dextromethorphan. According to MedlinePlus, dextromethorphan works to quiet a cough by decreasing activity in a part of the brain that triggers the cough reflex.
Throat lozenges and cough drops commonly contain menthol, which MedlinePlus notes can soothe a scratchy throat, or an anesthetic, like benzocaine, which can help numb throat pain. Throat sprays, like Cloraseptic, also contain anesthetics that can help to soothe a sore throat.
If Somebody I Know Has A Sore Throat How Can I Reduce My Risk Of Getting It
The best way to prevent infection is to wash your hands often and always before eating or after being in contact with an infected person. Do not share utensils, linen, or personal items. Eat plenty of vegetables, drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day, and limit the amount of sugar you eat and alcohol you drink. Exercise, don’t smoke, and don’t yell!
Also Check: Soar Throat And Runny Nose
Best Sore Throat Remedies To Make You Feel Better Fast According To Doctors
Some home remedies only mask painbut these solutions can help you get rid of your sore throat completely.
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.
But to ease the pain, you need to understand whats causing your sore throat in the first place: dry air, smoking, acid reflux, viral infections like the flu or common cold, and bacterial infections like strep can all lead to a sore throat.
In general, a viral infection usually comes with other symptoms, like muscle aches and fatigue, along with your sore throat, says Chester Griffiths MD, an otolaryngologist at Providence Saint Johns Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif. With a bacterial infection, on the other hand, the pain is usually more focused on your throat and the soreness tends to be pretty severe, Dr. Griffiths says. You may also have intense pain when you swallow, along with a high fever.
Exposure to smoke, breathing in dry air, and having acid reflux tends to feel very different from an infection, says Jason Abramowitz, MD, an ear, nose, and throat specialist at ENT and Allergy Associates. Usually patients do not feel as sick overall the pain is also usually not as severe, he says.
Home Remedies For Itchy Throat
Here are seven popular home remedies that advocates of natural medicine suggest may be helpful for itchy throat. However, note that herbal remedies are not subject to regulation by the FDA, so they have not been tested in an FDA-approved clinical trial. Always check with your doctor before starting any alternative treatments.
You May Like: Runny Nose Sore Throat Medicine
When Pain Relief Is Not Enough
As mentioned earlier, common sore throats tend to go away on their own. If you experience any of these symptoms of strep throat, however, you may need a prescription for an antibiotic. If none of these at-home remedies are helping after 48 hours, you can save your spot online at a GoHealth Urgent Care center near you!
How Do I Fight Off An Impending Sore Throat
Its 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.
You May Like: How Does Nose Spray Work