Sore throat relief: Doctors share 8 best remedies
The ways to get rid of a sore throat (photo: Freepik)
A sore throat can be an early sign of a viral or bacterial infection, such as a cold or the flu. There are several remedies that can help alleviate the discomfort and improve your condition, according to the Health website.
Rest
Jeffrey Linder, MD, highlighted that rest is a key method for combating a sore throat. Rest and sleep strengthen the immune system, while sleep deprivation reduces the body’s ability to fight the infection causing the sore throat.
"Making sure your body is well rested will at least help it fight off the virus so you can get better sooner," he said.
Fluids
Dr. Jeffrey Linder explained that a dry sore throat tends to be more painful. Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water and tea, helps the body fight infection and keeps it hydrated.
Warm beverages can also soothe the throat, prevent dehydration, and even alleviate nasal congestion.
Anti-inflammatory medications
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs are among the most effective treatments for a sore throat.
"These medicines are combination pain relievers and anti-inflammatories, so they'll make you feel better, and they'll also reduce some of the swelling associated with a sore throat," said Dr. Linder.
However, any medication should only be taken after consulting a doctor.
Antibiotics
A sore throat can sometimes be caused by strep throat, a bacterial infection affecting the throat and tonsils in about 10% of adult cases.
In such cases, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics. It’s important to complete the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve after a few days.
Honey
Honey can be added to tea or consumed by a spoonful. Its thick consistency not only coats and soothes the throat but also has antimicrobial properties that can speed up recovery.
Chicken soup
Chicken soup is a traditional home remedy for colds, boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation.
Warm soup provides essential nutrients and hydration to help fight the infection. Its protein and other nutrients make it particularly effective.
Use a humidifier
Humidifiers add moisture to dry air, making breathing easier and more comfortable, which can help relieve symptoms.
However, excessive humidity can be a problem, especially for those with allergies, as mold and dust mites thrive in damp environments.
The ideal indoor humidity level is between 40% and 50%.
Fresh air
Clean air is essential for a sore throat, so it’s important to regularly ventilate the room or spend more time outdoors.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
