Home Remedies For A Sore Throat
General Health & Wellness Children's Health
December 08, 2023
Sore throats are commonplace during cold and flu season, but luckily there are lots of home remedies that can help ease your misery.
A sore, scratchy or irritated throat can simply be a hassle – or it may be a sign of a more serious illness. Primary care doctor Abhigyan Banka, MD, of Franciscan Physician Network Beech Grove Family Medicine answers common questions about sore throats, how to care for sore throats at home, and when a visit to a doctor may be recommended.
What Causes A Sore Throat?
While many people think a sore throat may mean strep throat, there are many causes for a sore throat. Most of the time, inflammation is what’s causing your throat to hurt. Your body is trying to rid itself of an infection in the back of your throat, which causes your throat to swell and feel scratchy.
Other causes of a sore throat include:
- Viral or bacterial illness, including colds or flu
- Allergies
- Post-nasal drainage
- Acid reflux
- Smoke inhalation (such as from cigarette, vaping, weed, campfire or fireplace)
- Chemical inhalation (such as paint, cleaning detergents or chemical factory)
How Do I Get Rid Of A Sore Throat Quickly?
As frustrating as a sore throat may be, there is no quick solution to a sore throat, Dr. Banka says.
"Most causes of sore throat do not need a particular treatment and usually get better in several days," he said.
What Home Remedies Help A Sore Throat?
Some home remedies are more successful in helping sore throat than others, Dr. Banka said.
Consider These Home Remedies For A Sore Throat
For children over the age of 5, Dr. Banka said sore throat lozenges or chloraseptic throat sprays may be helpful can be helpful. Parents should note that throat lozenges can be a choking hazard for smaller children.
Other potential home remedies that may work to soothe a sore throat include lemon, salt water gargles or warm ginger tea with lemon and honey.
Avoid These Home Remedies For A Sore Throat
Other potential home remedies for a sore throat have no proven clinical benefit, Dr. Banka said. These include:
- Apple cider vinegar
- Fenugreek
- Licorice root
- Marshmallow root
- Essential oils
Are Cold Medicines Safe For A Sore Throat?
Some over-the-counter cold medicines can aggravate conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
"Do not use OTC cold medicine that has pseudoephedrine for more than 2 days for 'normal people' and avoid them for people with high blood pressure, glaucoma, diabetic and pregnant women," Dr. Banka said.
In addition, if you are taking one or more medications, check for common ingredients.
"Be cautious of mixing several OTC cold meds with other cough or cold medicines, Tylenol, ibuprofen etc.," Dr. Banka said. "Most of them will have common ingredients and it's very easy to overdose on them."
What Can Soothe A Young Child Or Infant Who Has A Sore Throat?
Some sore throat remedies such as lozenges are choking hazards for young children. Dr. Banka suggests comfort tips such as:
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Giving the child his or her favorite food
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Sipping warm beverages (non-caffeinated for kids)
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Eating ice cream (Despite popular belief, ice cream may help "cool down" the inflammation.)
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Humidifier use (if they have nasal congestion)
When Should I See A Doctor For A Sore Throat?
Folks with a sore throat should still get checked out by a doctor, to make sure they aren’t sick with strep throat or some other illness for which there are prescription medications that can help.
"The rule of thumb is if you feel like you need to be seen, you should be seen by a doctor," Dr. Banka said.
Contact your doctor if you experience several of these symptoms along with a sore throat:
- Fever (typically 100.4 or higher)
- Swollen and painful nodes in neck
- Swollen tonsils with white spots
- Absence of cough (or mild cough; remember sore throat is not cough)
- Exposure, exposure to someone with strep throat (pharyngitis)
- Pain on swallowing.
Get immediate care if you or your child has severe signs and symptoms along with a sore throat such as:
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Unusual drooling, which might indicate an inability to swallow
"Go to the doctor if you are nor better in a week; or if you were better and then got worse again," Dr. Banka said.
Are There Other Symptoms That Accompany A Sore Throat That Warrant Immediate Attention?
Additional symptoms that accompany a sore throat that indicate needing immediate medial attention include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Unusual drooling, which might indicate an inability to swallow
- High fever
- Not feeling health improvements after being on prescribed antibiotics for two or more days.
Does A Sore Throat Mean I Need Antibiotics?
Sore throats stemming from infections are often from viruses, which means there is no need for antibiotics.
"Taking them if not necessary is actually harmful," Dr. Banka said. "It can increase bacterial resistance, or trigger diarrhea, rash or other symptoms."
