How to Obtain Relief from the Pain of a Sore Throat

At one time or another, we have all experienced the pain of a sore throat. While being no fun, sore throats are caused either by a virus or occasionally by bacteria, which can lead to strep throat. Generally, a virus causes most sore throats and viral sore throat symptoms will usually resolve themselves in about five to seven days. In the meantime, there are many tried and true remedies that can be done at home to help relieve the agony of a sore throat.

Instructions

• 1

  Swollen lymph nodes may indicate a need to see a physician.

  Pay attention to the symptoms. A viral sore throat associated with a cold, sinus congestion or allergies can be treated at home. On the other hand, if you have a sore throat associated with swollen lymph nodes, an elevated fever, wheezing, difficulty swallowing, a skin rash or even trouble opening the mouth, then see a doctor. You could have a sore throat caused by strep or mononucleosis, and this condition requires the care of a physician.

• 2

  Sipping hot tea may help relieve sore throat pain.

  Sipping hot tea can help relieve the pain caused by a viral sore throat. The best tea to sip is white tea because it possesses antiviral and antibacterial properties. If the tea needs to be sweetened, use a small amount if honey as a sweetener to supplement with extra pain-relieving benefits.

• 3

  Gargling with salt water also helps relieve sore throat pain.

  Gargling with a salt-water solution four times a day helps decrease swelling and inflammation. To create the salt-water solution, simply add a teaspoon of salt to 8 ounces of warm water. Mix it well.

• 4

  Use lozenges to provide pain relief.

  Suck on lozenges made for sore throats. Chewing or sucking on sore throat lozenges can aid in easing sore throat pain. If lozenges are not available, a piece of hard candy such as wintergreen or peppermint provides a natural cooling effect on the throat, relieving the pain.

• 5

  Boost the humidity in your home. Use a humidifier to reduce dryness. Higher humidity helps reduce sore throat pain because dryer air can irritate mucous membranes and make a person more vulnerable to catching viral and bacterial sore throats. For added relief, use a vaporizer at night.

• 6

  Gargle with apple cider vinegar. This type of vinegar can provide instant relief simply. To make the gargle mixture, combine 1 to 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 8 ounces of warm water. Gargle with this mixture every two hours to enjoy relief.

• 7

  Cold ice cream is soothing to a sore throat.

  Eat jello or ice cream. Sore throat pain is quickly soothed just by enjoying a bowl of ice cream or jello.