There's nothing worse than a sore throat, well, except a hacking cough. Most sore throats, also known as pharyngitis, are caused by minor illnesses like a cold or flu and will go away with time, but there are few things you can try to speed up the process or ease the pain. Whatever the cause is, the first concern of most people is to ease the pain. It's tempting to run to a doctor, but give some of these home remedies a go first. Here are a few tips and tricks to easing a sore throat when you're next suffering.
What causes a sore throat?
A sore throat refers to pain, itchiness, or irritation of the throat. You may have difficulty swallowing food and liquids, and the pain may get worse when you try to swallow. It can be caused by either a viral or bacterial infection.
How to get rid of or ease a sore throat
Medicines
1. Take anti-inflammatories
Paracetamol is better for children, but adults can take ibuprofen to get any swelling down. Children under 16 shouldn't take aspirin.
2. Lozenges and sprays
These can work, as lozenges encourage saliva production, helping keep the throat moist. Choose ones with a cooling ingredient for extra relief. Hard sweets, ice cubes or ice lollies also work.
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3. Gargle in saltwater
Gargling in salt water several times a day helps reduce swelling in the throat and losens any mucus helping to flush out your bacteria. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in one cup of water. If the salt is too much add a small touch of honey. Spit the water out after gargling and do not swallow it.
4. Drink more fluids
Drink plenty of cool or warm fluids, as you need to keep hydrated. Avoid very hot drinks. To test if you are drinking enough, check your urine. If it's clear or pale that means you are drinking enough. Darker urine means you need to drink more. Water works, ice cubes, you can also have watered down fruit juice or a broth.
5. Drink tea
If you're tired of all that water, you can also drink tea. Herbal tea can give relief, but the black, green or white tea leaves, contain antioxidants that are thought to strengthen immunity and ward off infections. You can also add a boost of honey. As Mary Poppins said 'it helps the medicine go down'.
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6. Does chicken soup work?
Everyone has been told one time or another, by their mum or gran, to try chicken soup. Does it actually help though? It can help ease a sore throat as doctors believe sodium has anti-inflammatory properties, it also feels good and eases your throat. There's also the added benefit of it nourishing you when you probably don't feel like eating much.
7. Marshmallows
Yes, marshmallows. There's no hard evidence this works, but the sap from the marshmallow plant has been used - normally as a tea - to treat coughs, colds and sore throats. The real marshmallow looks nothing like the sweet treats we are used to, but both could help. People have argued the gelatin in the sweets coats and soothes.
8. Rest
Sleep is your best remedy. If you can stay in bed, and rest up. Most sore throats are caused by a cough or cold so can be cured by fixing that first.
9. Nasal rinsing
Filling your nose with salt water doesn't sound very nice, but it can help. There is research to back this up. In 2008 children who rinsed with nasal water six times a day felt some relief from cold symptoms. Remember, that rinsing may also wash away and protective mucus that has built up.
10. Humidifier to help you breathe
Sometimes your throat is hurting because the air is dry. You've probably heard of a de-humidifier, well, this does the opposite and fills the air with moisture.
11. Honey helps the medicine go down
A spoonful of honey in your drinks will ease your symptoms.
12. Make an ice lolly
If you're just in too much pain, make ice lollies. Licking the ice lolly will ease your aching throat and numbs the area.
