What Are the Treatments for a Sore Throat?
Since most sore throats from infections are caused by viruses
related to colds, antibiotics -- used for bacteria -- are not usually
needed to speed recovery from a sore throat. Treatment for sore throats
and colds from viruses are treated to relieve symptoms, so home remedies
may be just as effective as over-the-counter or prescription medicines.
Some sore throats, such as that with strep throat, do require an antibiotic. Check with your doctor to be sure.
Home Remedies for a Sore Throat
- Get plenty of rest and drink a lot of fluids.
- Gargle with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt per glass of water).
- Suck on throat lozenges or hard candy.
- Suck on frozen treats (such as Popsicles).
- Use a humidifier.
- Sip chicken broth, or try warm tea with honey, which has been a long-standing and comforting remedy.
- To help relieve the pain, apply a warm heating pad or compress
to your throat. You can also try a warm chamomile poultice: Mix 1
tablespoon dried chamomile flowers into 1 or 2 cups boiling water; steep
for 5 minutes, then strain. Soak a clean cloth or towel in the tea,
wring it out, then apply to your throat. Remove the cloth when it
becomes cold. Repeat as often as necessary.
- A salt plaster may also help provide relief. Mix 2 cups sea
salt with 5 to 6 tablespoons lukewarm water. The salt should be damp,
but not wet. Place the salt in the center of a dishtowel, then roll the
towel along the longer side. Wrap the towel around your neck; cover it
with another dry towel. Leave on for as long as you wish.
- Try steam inhalations to ease the pain. Run very hot water in a
sink. With a towel draped over your head to trap the steam, lean over
the sink while the hot water is running.
Breathe deeply through your mouth and nose for 5 to 10 minutes. Repeat
several times a day. Always be careful not to burn yourself with the hot
water or steam.
- Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen or naproxen for pain relief.
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