Simple at-home sore throat remedies

How to remedy a sore throat

Almost everyone has experienced a sore throat in their lifetime. Whether the cause of the sore throat is from seasonal allergies or weather-related factors, there are plenty of quick and easy tips to remedy symptoms at home, with help of the pharmacy, and even seeing a doctor. Seeing as sore throats are common, we suggested following the tips below, depending on the severity of your pain. 

If a sore throat is beyond any at-home remedies and over-the-counter drugs, we suggest skipping over the below content and immediately making an appointment to see us for further assistance. We have on-hand specialists at the Breathe Clear Institute who will work to alleviate pain and discuss plans to avoid future throat issues.

Sore throat symptoms

If the patient is experiencing pain, itchiness, or irritation of your throat, it’s what is commonly called a sore throat. There might be one symptom that trumps the others or are experiencing all three at once. Likely, sore throats are affecting speech, the ability to swallow, and sleep which can all increase the likelihood of prolonged or worsening sickness. Sore throats tend to last three to ten days in an average case, but there are ways to heal quicker.

Holistic approaches

If a sore throat is highly bothersome, but not enough to take medicine or make an appointment with us just yet, here are some simple at-home remedies that can help alleviate soreness and treat that annoying throat tickle. People likely have most of these items around the house or can make temporary small changes in daily routines to help heal sore throats.

Gargling 

Salt water

Baking soda plus water

Make some temporary dietary changes 

Skip acidic foods (no apple cider vinegar)

Add hot sauce, garlic, or cayenne pepper to food

Suck on ice pops or drink extra cold liquids

Sip herbal teas such as chamomile or fenugreek

Consume roots of marshmallow, licorice, slippery elm

Use honey to coat throat in tea or on its own

If drinking alcohol, make a hot toddy (whiskey, honey, spices)

Replace your toothbrush

Rest your voice and body

Use a humidifier and/or take steam showers

Elevate your head while sleeping

Over-the-counter approaches 

If the holistic approach hasn’t given hopeful results but seeing a doctor might not be needed just yet, below are our suggestions for over-the-counter products to help. A quick trip to the pharmacy will help move healing along and reduce any pain. Be sure to check any ingredients for allergens or possible interactions with prescription medications that are already part of a daily regimen.

Antacids (Tums, Rolaids)

Pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen)

Nasal decongestants (Afrin, Vicks)

Allergy medicines (Zyrtec, Claratin) 

At-home and over-the-counter remedies not working? Schedule an appointment with Breathe Clear Institute 

If you’re having difficulty swallowing, notice enlarged tonsils, and all listed remedies above haven’t worked for you, it’s time to see a doctor. We want to help you recover from sore throats as quickly as possible so you can get back to your daily life without pain and irritation.

Schedule an Appointment