When you have a sore throat, everyone knows you can pop into the nearest pharmacy and grab some over-the-counter lozenges or pain relievers. However, sometimes you’re just too tired to go out and grab medication, or maybe you prefer a more natural solution. If that’s the case, you’re in luck – here are five easy at-home remedies you can try before setting foot in a pharmacy or doctor’s office.
Gargle Frequently
Gargling with a warm salt solution or plain old antiseptic mouthwash can help kill off the germs in your mouth and soothe your throat. However, if these mouthwashes aren’t working for you, there are plenty of others to try, including:
- Ginger, honey and lemon in water
- Turmeric, salt and water
- Raspberry, clove or green tea
- Apple cider vinegar, salt and water
- Baking soda and water
- Licorice water
Sip Some Tea
Warm beverages often soothe the symptoms of a sore throat. Sipping some chamomile, marshmallow root or slippery elm tea can provide relief. You can also add honey to any cup of tea to coat and protect your throat. Just make sure tea is caffeine-free to avoid dehydration.
If you don’t like tea, it’s still important to stay hydrated in general. Drink plenty of fluids, including water, broth or non-acidic fruit juice, and avoid things that will dehydrate you or irritate your throat, such as carbonated soda, coffee and alcohol.
Indulge in a Cold Treat
While some people prefer warm beverages to relieve their symptoms, many find cold drinks or treats are more effective at soothing their sore throat. Sucking on ice cubes or drinking ice cold water is an easy way to numb the pain in your throat without consuming tons of extra sugar. Eating a popsicle or some ice cream can add calories to your diet when swallowing solid foods is too painful.
Add Humidity to the Air
Dry air can cause your mucus to dry out, increasing the sensitivity of your throat and nasal passages. Bring some of that humidity back by using a humidifier filled with fresh water. If you don’t have one handy, standing over a pot of boiling water, taking a hot shower, spending time in a humid bathroom or breathing in the steam from a piping hot cup of water or tea can also help.
Get More Rest
You may feel weakness and fatigue along with your sore throat. If this is the case, your body is trying to tell you that it needs extra rest to recuperate faster. In fact, lack of sleep makes people more susceptible to illness in the first place.
In addition to sleeping more, you may want to reduce the intensity of your workout or skip the gym altogether. Stay home from work, if you can, to reduce the chance of spreading your illness to others.
Treat Your Sore Throat at Allergy & ENT Associates in Houston, TX
Most of the time, a sore throat is caused by a minor viral or bacterial infection that clears up within a week or so. However, if your symptoms persist after trying at-home remedies and over-the-counter medicines, it may be time to seek an ear, nose and throat specialist to rule out more serious medical problems. At Allergy & ENT Associates, our board-certified doctors can diagnose and treat your throat pain using a wide variety of methods. Call us at (713) MY-SINUS to schedule your appointment today!
