What Kills a Sore Throat Fast?

Sore throat, or pharyngitis, causes pain, tenderness, or discomfort. It is most commonly caused by viral infections like the flu or common cold, but can also result from other health conditions. Symptoms include cough, runny nose, dry/raspy throat and mouth, and hoarse voice. Difficulty and pain while swallowing are also common. How to fix a sore throat immediately?

Whether caused by a virus, acid reflux, or smoke exposure, home remedies can provide quick relief.

Here are 10 ways to soothe a sore throat:

1. Saltwater gargles: Gargling with salt water reduces inflammation, eases pain and abrasion symptoms, loosens mucus, and eliminates irritants. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of water and gargle every two to three hours.
2. Herbal teas: Green tea and clove tea have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Fruit- or flower-based teas like raspberry and chamomile act as natural lubricants to soothe throat irritation. Peppermint tea numbs the throat to relieve pain.
3. Honey and lemon: A mixture of lemon juice and honey is natural and helps with antibacterial and pain-relieving properties. Add one teaspoon of lemon juice and two tablespoons of honey to tea or hot water and sip.
4. Apple cider vinegar: Strongly acidic, apple cider vinegar has powerful antimicrobial properties. It breaks down throat mucus and prevents infection spread. Mix one to two teaspoons with hot water and gargle, but avoid drinking it if sensitive to vinegar.
5. Chicken soup: Chicken soup contains proteins, antioxidants, and amino acids that boost the immune system and fight infection. It soothes the throat and reduces pain while keeping the body nourished and reducing nasal congestion.
6. Ginger root tea or ale: Ginger reduces throat swelling and congestion as a natural antihistamine. It has antiviral and antibacterial effects, breaking down excess throat mucus. Sip ginger ale or make fresh ginger tea.
7. Popsicles or extra-cold drinks: Icy liquids help numb the throat and reduce inflammation. Suck on ice cubes or chips. Avoid dairy-based ice cream as it increases mucus production and worsens a sore throat.
8. Humidifiers: Dry air irritates the lungs and throat, increasing pain and recovery time. Use a clean humidifier to add moisture to your room, making the air easier to breathe. Inhaling steam from a safe distance can also help congested sinuses.
9. Lymph node massage: Massage the lymph nodes to reduce throat infection. Locate swollen nodes and gently rub them downward to improve circulation and eliminate toxins.
10. Throat lozenges or hard candy: Over-the-counter (OTC) lozenges provide temporary relief. They increase saliva production, lubricating and preventing dryness and scratchiness. Cough drops with menthol, eucalyptus, and honey also relieve pain.

A sore throat can be miserable, but these simple home remedies effectively relieve pain and discomfort. Rest and drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to speed up recovery. For mild cases, OTC pain medications like ibuprofen or throat sprays with lidocaine can help. Contact a healthcare provider if you have swollen tonsils, difficulty breathing, or a fever over 101 degrees alongside a sore throat.

What drink helps a sore throat?

In addition to herbal tea and ginger ale, other drinks can help a sore throat. Stay hydrated to decrease pain and thin mucus, aiming for 8 cups of fluids per day. Water, clear broth, and caffeine-free sports drinks are good options. Peppermint tea soothes throat pain with antibacterial and antiviral properties. Marshmallow root tea has antimicrobial properties and coats a sore throat. Chamomile tea lubricates the throat with antimicrobial and antioxidant activity.

Why does my throat hurt when I swallow?

There are many reasons why swallowing can cause throat pain. Viral illnesses like cold, mononucleosis, or viral pharyngitis may be the cause. Streptococcal pharyngitis due to Group A Strep (GAS) bacteria can cause sore throat. Throat pain may result from post-nasal drip caused by a sinus infection and frequent throat clearing. More serious causes include tonsil abscess and epiglottitis, a bacterial infection above the vocal cords.

What should you avoid when you have a sore throat?

To prevent further irritation, avoid spicy or acidic foods. Smoking and smoky environments should be avoided. Hot liquids contribute to throat pain and should be avoided.

How long do sore throats last?

The duration of a sore throat depends on the underlying cause. If caused by a cold or the flu, it typically lasts a week to 10 days. Mononucleosis (mono) can cause a sore throat for 4 weeks or more.

QUESTION

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