What is Sore Throat?

Sore throat is an irritation or a pain in the throat caused by inflammation. The most common cause of a sore throat is a viral infection such as a cold or flu. Most of the time a sore throat occurs due to some bacterial infection, and you can prevent further complications by getting antibiotics. But sometimes, sore throat requires some complex treatments as well. Symptoms of sore throat can differ due to the cause:

• Pain that occurs while eating and talking
• Pain or an itchy sensation in the throat
• Difficulty when swallowing 
• Red or white patches in the swollen area

Most of the time, sore throat comes with some other indicating symptoms such as fever, running nose, breathing problems, neck pains, sneezing, cough and headache as well. Sometimes sore throat may not feel serious enough to see a doctor. At that time, you can try following some home remedies listed below. But If you feel any difficulties in breathing, swallowing, difficult to open the mouth, fever higher than 101°F (38.3°C) or pus in the throat you should consult a doctor.

1. Honey

We all know honey is a delicious organic, sweet food substance we can use in many ways. Honey can act as a pain reliever when it comes to most minor symptoms, such as sore throat. So we can use honey alone or mixed with warm tea as a home remedy. Research has shown that honey can effectively act against common cough issues as well, so it may help to speed up healing of sore throat. You can also have warm water or tea with honey mixed in it to reduce the itchiness in the throat. It is also important to stay hydrated when you are fighting against cold symptoms. A sore throat may get in the way of consuming any beverages, so mixing honey to warm beverages will bring relief from sore throat as well as hydration. You can also have honey mixed with apple cider vinegar or herbs, that are also known to fight against sore throat and give pain relief. But make sure not to give it to small children because they may not have enough energy to fight against bacteria.

2. Salt Water

This is the most common home remedy you can use when you are having a sore throat. Cleaning throat using salt water will reduce itchy feeling inside the throat and give relief from the pain. It is a good way to kill bacteria as well as unwanted microbes inside the throat. All you have to mix ¼ or ½ teaspoon of clean table salt with a glass of warm water, and gargle well in order to clean the swollen throat. Use this remedy 3 times a day until you feel a relief.

3. Baking Soda Gargle

You can you baking soda as same as previous remedy to get some relief from sore throat. Mix ¼ teaspoon of baking soda, and ⅛ teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water, and gargle with the mixture. This can kill bacteria and prevent the growth of yeast and fungi.

4. Peppermint

When you are having a sore throat, throat will feel dry more often, so it is always comforting to have a cooling effect inside the throat. Lozenges that contain peppermint or menthol will help to get a fresh breath as well as give a relief from sore throat.  You can use diluted peppermint oil spray as well because peppermint include menthol which helps to thin mucus and can gently numb the swollen tissue in your throat. Furthermore peppermint include anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties which help to reduce cough. Also, you can use peppermint tea as a remedy because it also contains anti-inflammatory compounds to relieve sore throat. You can make peppermint tea by adding some fresh peppermint leaves into boiling water, leave it to brew for 3 – 5 minutes and then straining off the leaves.

5. Ginger Root Tea

Ginger is an important and popular compound when it comes to home remedies, since it is used as a spice as well as a medical component in a general household. Ginger is believed to have antimicrobial properties helps to fight against bacterial or viral infections so it is a great remedy for sore throat. You can purchase ginger tea from any supermarket, or you can make ginger root tea at home as well. Peel a ginger root, add it into a cup of boiled water, and cover with a lid. Then add a tablespoon of honey or sugar into it. You can also add a tablespoon of lemon juice to enhance the flavor.

Other than these remedies you can use marshmallow root for tea instead of ginger. But you should consult a doctor before taking it if you have diabetes. 

In addition to the above remedies, having a warm water steam shower while you are having a sore throat will help to reduce swelling and ease the pain. Or else you can steam without having a bath. Put boiled water into a pot and drape a towel over your head and keep taking deep breaths for a few minutes. And you can also use two pillows to elevate your head while you are sleeping and it will help with difficulties in breathing.

Sore Throat FAQ