How to Handle and Relieve a Sore Throat

A sore throat can cause discomfort and pain especially when you swallow or talk. The condition, also referred to as pharyngitis, is common during the colder months, and is often caused by viral illnesses, such as the flu or a cold. A bacterial infection, such as strep throat, can also be responsible for your painful throat. To ease discomfort, combine home remedies with over-the-counter treatments, and visit your doctor if needed.

Things You'll Need

• Pain reliever
• Herbal tea
• Lemon or honey
• Water
• 1 tsp. salt
• Humidifier
• Pan
• Throat lozenges

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Instructions

• 1

  Take an over-the-counter pain reliever according to the packaging instruction. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce the pain you are experiencing.

• 2

  Drink warm and cold liquids to soothe your throat. Herbal tea with lemon or honey, and chilled water help keep your throat moist, prevent dehydration and have a comforting affect.

• 3

  Fill an eight-ounce cup with warm water and add 1 tsp. of salt to it. Gargle with the saltwater mixture two to three times per day. According to Health911, saltwater clears up dilating capillaries and rinses away mucous, thereby promoting circulation of antibodies that combat the infection.

• 4

  Get plenty of rest. While you rest, you are less likely to experience throat discomfort because you don't talk or eat. Your body is also better able to fight the infection causing the sore throat.

• 5

  Put a humidifier in your room, because dry air may irritate your sore throat even more. A humidifier keeps moisture in the air. Place a pan filled with water in a corner of the room, as an alternative.

• 6

  Suck on commercial throat lozenges to help soothe the discomfort.

• 7

  Avoid smoking tobacco or secondhand smoke, because these only worsen your condition.

• 8

  Consult your doctor if the sore throat last longer than two days. Your doctor may test you for a bacterial infection, such as strep throat. If the outcome is positive, you most likely will get a prescription for antibiotics.