Tips to Ease Sore Throat Pain

By Judy Tidwell, . Permalink Allergy Symptoms

Most sore throats are caused by viral infections which do not normally respond to antibiotics. If you come down with a sore throat, what can you do to relieve the symptoms? "While you may want the doctor to write a prescription for an antibiotic, these drugs are useless against viruses. However, viral sore throats are painful and can impact eating, swallowing and talking," states Lisa Chavis, R.Ph., author of Ask Your Pharmacist in an email correspondence. "Only about 10 percent of sore throats can be relieved via a prescription, so once the doctor has ruled out a bacterial infection, I often recommend that patients let the virus run its course and do some simple things to ease the suffering and make themselves more comfortable."

Dealing With a Sore Throat

Dr. Chavis offers her sore throat-soothing tips:

  • Take decongestants to make breathing easier by shrinking swollen mucus membranes in the nose, allowing air to pass through.

  • Antihistamines help dry up a runny nose and postnasal drip, which can cause or further irritate a sore throat.

  • Non-aspirin pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can offer additional pain relief and make the patient more comfortable overall.

  • Gargle at least once per hour with warm salt water to reduce swelling and discomfort.

  • While it may be uncomfortable to swallow, make sure to drink additional fluids to soothe a sore throat. Hot fluids, such as soup or tea with honey, will help relieve and hydrate a sore throat. Extra fluids also help thin sinus mucus, allowing for better drainage and decreased stuffiness, which can contribute to throat irritation.

  • Suck on flavored frozen desserts, such as popsicles, to ease the irritation.

  • Ease sore throat pain with an over-the-counter medicine, such sore throat lozenges or sprays, to reduce pain and keep throat moist.

  • Use a vaporizer to keep throat tissues moist, particularly while sleeping.

  • Stop smoking and/or avoid secondhand smoke.

  • While the tendency may be to make the house warmer, dry, indoor heat can irritate a sore throat.

  • Keep talking or shouting to a minimum to rest the throat.

Preventing Sore Throat

While there is no surefire way to prevent getting a sore throat, Dr. Chavis offers the following advice to help reduce the risk:

  • Wash your hands regularly, especially around people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes or mouth.
  • Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
  • Increase fluid intake to as much as 8-12 glasses of water a day.
  • Avoid throat irritants, such as smoke, fumes or yelling.
  • Avoid biting your nails.
  • Replace your toothbrush monthly to prevent being reinfected by bacteria.

"Because so many different things can cause a sore throat, it's a good idea to get your throat checked by the doctor if you are concerned," said Dr. Chavis. "Even if you're not a fan of the doctor's office, definitely go in with a fever higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit."


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