A sore throat can feel miserable and make it difficult to eat, drink, talk, sleep, and go about your day. There are a number of causes for sore throats, ranging from allergies to viral infections like cold and flu to bacterial infections like strep throat. As long as you don’t experience any complications, you can typically treat sore throats caused by allergies and viral infections at home. Here are some of the best ways to soothe a sore throat so you can get back to feeling your best:
1. Gargle with Salt Water
One of the oldest and most effective remedies for a sore throat is gargling with salt water. Mix half a teaspoon of salt with a cup of warm water and gargle the solution, then spit it out without swallowing. You can repeat this process every three hours for relief. This is an effective remedy because the salt water reduces swelling and irritation in the throat, loosens mucus, and draws fluids from your throat tissues to help wash out viruses and bacteria.
2. Drink Warm Fluids
Sip on warm liquids like tea or broth to soothe your sore throat. The warmth can help reduce inflammation and irritation to provide relief, and the fluids keep the throat moist and prevent dehydration. This also helps thin and loosen mucus in the throat that may be contributing to irritation and pain. Opting for herbal teas like chamomile can have additional anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and astringent benefits to help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
3. Suck on Popsicles and Lozenges
Sucking on popsicles, ice chips, lozenges, and cough drops can all help soothe a sore throat. The cold of popsicles and ice chips helps to ease pain and reduce inflammation in the throat as well as soothe irritating coughs for much-needed relief. Many over-the-counter lozenges and cough drops have menthol as an ingredient, which temporarily numbs the throat to relieve pain and reduce the need to cough.
4. Breathe In Steam
Dry air can further irritate an already sore throat. That’s why breathing in some extra moisture can help. Run a hot shower or bath with the door closed to steam up the bathroom. Then, sit in the bathroom to breathe in the warm, humid air. You can also add just-boiled water to a bowl and drape a towel over your head to trap the steam. Breathe normally, allowing the steam to enter your nose and mouth for 10 to 15 minutes. Additionally, you can add extra moisture to the air using a humidifier.
5. Eat Honey
Honey is a well-known remedy for a sore throat that has been used for centuries. Honey has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and it coats the throat to soothe irritation and pain. To enjoy its soothing effects, you can eat a teaspoon of honey as it is, mix a spoonful with a squeeze of lemon, or add it to a cup of herbal tea. If your sore throat is accompanied by a cough, honey also acts as an effective cough suppressant.
6. Get Plenty of Rest
Any time you’re sick, your body needs plenty of rest to recover. If you feel a sore throat starting, make sure you’re getting enough sleep so your body can fight off the infection. Sleep loss can also increase your chances of developing an infection and increase inflammation. Keep in mind that lying flat can increase pressure in the back of the throat and cause swelling, so try sleeping propped up to alleviate pain and discomfort in your throat while you rest. Make sure you rest your voice, too, to avoid further irritating your sore throat.
Boost Your Immune System Help from the Institute for Progressive Medicine
Getting sick with a sore throat and other symptoms is never fun. If you want to avoid getting sick and give your body a better chance at fighting infection, you should consider taking vitamins and supplements that boost the immune system. We offer a number of immune support supplements that provide your body with the nutrients it needs to fight off illness and maintain overall health.
Here at the Institute for Progressive Medicine, we provide both traditional and complementary medical treatments to help patients with a range of health conditions. If you get sick easily and want to learn more about ways to boost your immune system or you have health concerns that you want to address, please schedule an appointment today to take the first steps toward better health!