how to repair a sore throat

What is the fastest way to cure a sore throat?

Sore throat remedies such as raw honey, vitamin C and licorice root will help to ease your discomfort and speed up healing. There are also powerful essential oils for sore throat that can be used internally and topically to slow the growth of bacteria, ease swelling and reduce congestion.

How fast can I get rid of a sore throat?

Sore throats are very common and usually nothing to worry about. They normally get better by themselves within a week. How to treat a sore throat yourself. To help soothe a sore throat and shorten how long it lasts, you can: gargle with warm, salty water (children should not try this) drink plenty of water; eat cool or soft foods

What should I do if I have a sore throat?

Some might even cause more harm than good:

• Lemon. While many people swear by lemon tea (or the lemons in a delicious hot toddy), acids are a risky business when it comes to sore throats.
• Garlic. Garlic is loaded with antibacterial properties, but the advice to chew on raw garlic cloves isn’t exactly backed up by research.
• Hot sauce. ...

How to stop a sore throat, before it starts?

Early stages: Remedies

• Know the early signs of a cold sore. Most people who get cold sores report that they can feel one coming before it appears on their skin.
• Keep antiviral medications on hand. ...
• Get to know cold sore triggers. ...
• Consider home remedies and over-the-counter products. ...

How to get rid of a sore throat?

Fluids keep the throat moist and prevent dehydration. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you. Try comforting foods and beverage. Warm liquids — broth, caffeine-free tea or warm water with honey — and cold treats such as ice pops can soothe a sore throat.

What to do if your throat is sore?

Treating bacterial infections. If your or your child's sore throat is caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor or pediatrician will prescribe antibiotics. You or your child must take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed even if the symptoms are gone.

How to test for streptococcal bacteria?

In some cases, doctors may use a molecular test to detect streptococcal bacteria. In this test, a doctor swipes a sterile swab over the back of the throat to get a sample of secretions. The sample is tested in a lab. Your or your child's doctor may have accurate results within a few minutes.

How long does a sore throat last?

Treatment. A sore throat caused by a viral infection usually lasts five to seven days and doesn't usually require medical treatment. Antibiotics don't help treat a viral infection. To ease pain and fever, many people turn to acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or other mild pain relievers. Consider giving your child over-the-counter pain medications ...

How to check for swollen glands in children?

Using a lighted instrument to look at the throat, and likely the ears and nasal passages. Gently feeling the neck to check for swollen glands (lymph nodes) Listening to your or your child's breathing with a stethoscope.

Can you give a child a sore throat?

Either can soothe a sore throat, but don't give them to children age 4 and younger because of choking risk. Avoid irritants. Keep your home free from cigarette smoke and cleaning products that can irritate the throat. Stay at home until you're no longer sick.

Can a rapid antigen test detect strep?

Rapid antigen tests aren't as sensitive, although they can detect strep bacteria quickly. Because of this, the doctor may send a throat culture to a lab to test for strep thro at if the antigen test comes back negative. In some cases, doctors may use a molecular test to detect streptococcal bacteria. In this test, a doctor swipes a sterile swab ...

What is the best way to soothe a sore throat?

Use a few spritzes of a spray containing a combination of echinacea and sage. A study in the European Journal of Medical Research#N#Trusted Source#N#finds this herbal remedy soothes a sore throat as well as OTC sore throat relief sprays.

How to get rid of a scratchy throat?

1. Gargle with salt water. Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe a scratchy throat. The salt pulls the mucus out of your swollen, inflamed tissue and helps relieve the discomfort. The Mayo Clinic recommends combining 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of table salt with 4 to 8 ounces of warm water.

What causes a sore throat?

Get a prescription. Viruses cause most sore throats, but sometimes the culprit can be bacteria such as streptococcus, which causes strep throat. If your sore throat doesn’t go away or gets worse, or you’re running a fever, see your doctor for a strep test. You might need an antibiotic.

What is the best medicine for strep throat?

You can relieve the pain of your child’s sore throat with medicine such as acetaminophen (Children’s Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Children’s Advil, Children’s Motrin).

How long does it take for a child's throat to get better?

Sore throats are a common childhood ailment. They’re often caused by viruses and will get better in four or five days. If your child is running a fever of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher, pay a visit to the pediatrician. A fever could be a sign of strep throat.

How to get rid of swollen throat and nose?

Breathing in moist air can help soothe swollen tissue in your nose and throat. Turn on a cool mist humidifier to increase the amount of moisture in your room. You can buy humidifiers at most retailers.

What to do when your throat is tickling?

Brew up a cup next time a sore throat starts to tickle. You might consider choosing a green tea, which serves as an antibacterial, pain reliever, and rich source of antioxidants, as well as helps reduce inflammation. Honey has another benefit when you’re sick.

What to do when you have a sore throat?

4. Steam and humidity. The skinny: Take a hot shower. When it gets really steamy, breathe in the magic. Doctor’s advice: Steam loosens mucus and can moisturize and soothe a sore throat. 5. Hot toddy. The skinny: A hot toddy is a drink combo made with water, whiskey, honey and lemon juice and served hot.

What to do if throat pain is severe?

Have trouble swallowing, breathing or opening your mouth. Are coughing up blood or have blood in your saliva. Feel enlarged lymph nodes, or lumps, in your neck.

How to tell if you have a syringe?

Dr. Allan says to use common sense when deciding whether to seek out medical care. Call a doctor if you: 1 Have throat pain that’s severe, prolonged or not improving, or stretches into your ear. 2 Have trouble swallowing, breathing or opening your mouth. 3 Are coughing up blood or have blood in your saliva. 4 Feel enlarged lymph nodes, or lumps, in your neck. 5 Have white patches on the back of your throat or a rash, possible signs of strep throat or scarlet fever. 6 Have a high fever. 7 Lose your voice for more than a week or two.

How to tell if you have strep throat?

Feel enlarged lymph nodes, or lumps, in your neck. Have white patches on the back of your throat or a rash, possible signs of strep throat or scarlet fever. Have a high fever. Lose your voice for more than a week or two. And remember, when it comes to illnesses, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of hot toddies.

How to stop coughing from cold?

2. Gargling. The skinny: Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt — or a similar amount of baking soda — in a glass of warm water.

What to drink to clear sinuses?

The skinny: Sip on warm drinks, such as tea or chicken soup. (It’s not just for the soul!) Or try cold liquids, such as ice water or popsicles. Doctor’s advice: Liquids help clear mucous membranes, keep things flowing and prevent sinus infections.

Can antihistamines make your throat worse?

But sometimes they go overboard, triggering symptoms (such as congestion and post-nasal drip) that can make a sore throat feel worse. Antihistamines can counteract this overreaction. Advertising Policy. 4.

How to get rid of sore throat?

Gargle with salt water—but steer clear of apple cider vinegar. Salt water is a great home remedy for sore throat, as it can reduce swelling and calm inflammation and irritation. It may also help draw infections or irritants to the surface of your throat, where your body is better able to deal with them.

How to stop throat from clearing?

Pop a pain reliever. Ibuprofen can help put a stop to the coughing and throat-clearing that prevents your sore throat from healing, Dr. Finkelston says. Just be sure to take your ibuprofen with food, and follow the dosing instructions on the label. 10. Try a nasal decongestant.

What to do if you have acid reflux and you lie down?

Eating before you lie down can promote reflux and heartburn. Swallow antacids. If you think acid reflux is to blame for your sore throat, taking antacids or other reflux meds could help relieve pain, Dr. Finkelston says. As a first-line treatment, try an over-the-counter antacid such as Tums or Mylanta.

What to do if you have a sore throat after cheering?

Give your voice a rest. If you developed a sore throat after yelling and cheering at a concert or sporting event, you likely strained your vocal cords. The best treatment for any overworked muscle is rest. “It’s similar to a sprained ankle—walking on it hurts,” Dr. Griffiths says.

How to stop a sprained ankle from hurting?

Drink extra-cold liquids. Those first few swallows may not be pleasant. But just as icing a sprained ankle can dull the pain and prevent swelling, drinking icy liquids can both numb your throat and calm some of the inflammation that’s causing you pain, Dr. Finkelston says. Suck on an ice pop.

How to get rid of a swollen throat from ice water?

Just be sure to steer clear of citrus flavors which can trigger acid reflux and in turn, worsen your symptoms. Fight dry air with a humidifier.

How to recharge your immune system?

Finkelston says. Aim for at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. 15. Take a steam shower. Steam helps humidify your airways, says Dr. Griffiths.

How to keep throat from getting sore?

Drink fluids. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends drinking plenty of beverages and staying as hydrated as possible, to keep your throat coated and comfortable. Warm beverages may also help a bit more than cool ones, to soothe the throat, prevent dehydration, and even ease congestion.

What to do for a sore throat?

A warm cup of herbal tea can offer immediate, soothing relief for a sore throat. What's more, non-herbal teas—whether they're made with black, green, or white leaves—contain antioxidants that are thought to strengthen immunity and ward off infection. For an extra boost, add a teaspoon of honey.

What is the best soup for a sore throat?

Chicken soup. stomach-flu-soup. Credit: rez-art/Getty Images. An age-old home remedy for colds, chicken soup can help soothe a sore throat, as well. "The sodium in the broth may actually have anti-inflammatory properties, and it can feel good going down," Dr. Linder says.

Why does my throat hurt?

Credit: Getty Images. Every once and a while—about 10% of the time in adults—a sore throat will be caused by a bacterial infection such as Streptococcus pyogenes. If, and only if, you test positive for strep throat or another bacterial infection, your doctor should prescribe an antibiotic.

How to get rid of swollen throat?

Several studies have found that gargling a few times a day with warm saltwater can reduce swelling in the throat and loosen mucus, helping to flush out irritants or bacteria. Doctors generally recommend dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in one cup of water.

What to do when your throat is aching?

In order to avoid this unpleasant environment, try a humidifier! This handy machine fills the air with moisture, making it much easier and more pleasant to breathe, which should calm your symptoms as a result.

What to do when you cough and it won't budge?

Cough syrup, lozenges, or sprays. Sometimes that annoying scratch in your throat or incessant cough just won’t budge and you need additional remedies—preferably those that come from the medicine aisle in the drugstore. Enter: Cough syrup, throat lozenges, and throat sprays.

What to do if you have a sore throat from allergies?

If your sore throat is caused by allergies, you can take over-the-counter antihistamines to decongest your nose and get rid of postnasal drip that may be irritating your throat. Alternative Medicine.

How to get rid of a virus in your throat?

Mix 1/4 teaspoon of salt with a cup of water and gargle. You can do this when your throat feels itchy or painful. By using salt, you’re pulling out fluids from your throat tissues, which helps wash the virus out. It may also loosen mucus that needs to come out.

How to tell if you have strep throat?

You should see a doctor if you suspect you are dealing with strep throat, especially if you have the following symptoms: 1 Fever 2 Lymph nodes that are swollen 3 Pain and difficulty when swallowing 4 Red spots on the roof of your mouth 5 Sore throat that started quickly 6 Tonsils that are red and swollen

What causes strep throat?

Strep throat is caused by a bacteria called Streptococcus pyogenes and should be treated with antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. In areas where the summers are warm and winters are cold, viral sore throats usually peak in the winter and early spring, when people are mostly inside. Viruses are spread by droplets in the air from sneezes ...

What are the red spots on the roof of my mouth?

Red spots on the roof of your mouth. Sore throat that started quickly. Tonsils that are red and swollen. Your doctor can test you for strep throat using a simple test. A swab is used to collect a sample from the back of your throat, then sent to a lab for testing.

Why does my throat hurt?

A sore throat occurs when your pharynx, the back of your throat, becomes inflamed. The common sore throat is caused by a virus — like the flu or the common cold — and usually goes away in a few days. Strep throat is caused by a bacteria called Streptococcus pyogenes and should be treated with antibiotics prescribed by your doctor.

How to keep your throat moist?

Get plenty of rest and sleep. You should drink a lot of fluids because they prevent dehydration and keep your throat moist. Stick to comforting beverages like a simple broth, soup, warm water, or caffeine-free tea with honey. Avoid alcohol or any caffeinated drinks like coffee, because they can dehydrate you.

How to help a sore throat?

Honey may be added to hot water or tea and lemon juice to help sooth a sore throat. Honey has some antibacterial properties and may help ease sore throat due to infection. There are also studies that show it may help ease a cough, which can contribute to sore throat pain.

What is the best medicine for a sore throat?

OTC pain medications such as acetaminophen ( Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen ( Advil or Motrin) or naproxen ( Aleve) can help relieve the pain and inflammation caused by a sore throat.

Why do hard candies help with sore throat?

Like lozenges or cough drops, hard candies can help because they stimulate the production of saliva and help keep the throat moist and lubricated, which can ease the soreness from a dry sore throat .

How to get rid of phlegm in throat?

Rinse the mouth with a warm saltwater gargle (1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water) and then spit it out. Don't swallow the salt, and don't use too much salt, as this could further dry out the sensitive throat membranes. Gargling with saltwater is an easy and economical way to help cleanse the throat and loosen phlegm.

Why does my throat hurt after tonsilectomy?

Sore throats may be caused by viral infections (including the common cold ), bacterial infections ( strep thro at is a common cause of sore throats), tonsillitis, and even pain following tonsillectomies (surgical removal of the tonsils ). While this article discusses home remedies that can help with the pain and symptoms of sore throat, ...

What is the best pain reliever for sores?

OTC pain medications such as acetaminophen ( Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen ( Advil or Motrin) or naproxen ( Aleve) can help relieve the pain and inflammation caused by a sore throat.

What is the best treatment for croup?

Treatment my incorporate the use of a humidifier, saline nasal spray, and pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen.

How to get rid of a sore throat quickly?

Hydrating your body will help it fight off infections and clear the sore throat quickly. Drink a warm chamomile or ginger tea to soothe your thro at.

How to relieve pain from a swollen throat?

Use throat sprays for relief. Like lozenges, throat sprays such as Cepacol, help relieve pain by numbing the lining of the throat. Follow instructions on labeling for proper dosage, and consult a doctor or pharmacist for information regarding use with other medications and/or remedies.

How long does a sore throat last?

However, if your sore throat lasts for more than 3 days , see a doctor, because you might have a more serious underlying medical condition. Steps.

How to soothe throat with humidifier?

Warm or cool mist moving through a humidifier can help soothe your throat, although take care not to make your room uncomfortably cold or damp. Use a steam treatment with warm water and a dishtowel. Bring 2-3 cups of water to a soft boil and remove from heat.

How to make a salt water mouthwash?

Mix 1 teaspoon of salt into 8 ounces of warm water. Take the liquid into the back of your throat, gargle with your head turned slightly up, and spit the water out. Gargle once every hour or so. You should wash your mouth out after so your mouth doesn't taste too bad.

How to prevent bacteria from spreading?

2. Wash or sanitize your hands frequently. It's no secret that our hands are vectors for bacteria: We touch our face and other objects, increasing the likelihood of spreading bacteria. Wash your hands frequently if you have a sore throat or cold in order to prevent as much bacterial transmission.

What does it mean when your tonsils are white?

Sore throat, with white patches on the tonsils. Swollen tonsils and swollen lymph nodes all over the body. Headache, fatigue, and a lack of energy. Pain in the upper left side of the abdomen, near your spleen. If your spleen hurts, seek medical attention immediately, as it could mean that your spleen has burst.

What is the best way to heal a sore throat?

Some home remedies that can help a sore throat heal faster are saltwater gargle, lemon and honey, herbal teas, humidifiers, throat lozenges and hard candies. Nobody likes waking up with a sore throat.

What to do if you have a sore throat?

It's likely strep or another bacterial infection. In this situation, you'll typically be prescribed antibiotics and can continue the at-home remedies to soothe your throat ...

How long does a sore throat last?

Sore throat pain associated with a virus is typically mild, lasts for a few days , and responds well to at-home treatment. If you have untreated strep throat or a condition like tonsilitis, you may have throat pain for much longer.

Why do I wake up with a sore throat?

Nobody likes waking up with a sore throat. A sore throat, or pharyngitis, is one of the top reasons people call out sick from work or visit the doctor's office. A sore throat is just what it sounds like — a soreness or discomfort inside your throat. It can be associated with many different illnesses or conditions, ...

Why does my throat hurt?

A sore throat may be caused by bacterial infections, viral infections, toxins, irritants, trauma, or injury to the throat area. Common symptoms of a sore throat include a fever, cough, runny nose, hoarseness, earaches, sneezing, and body aches. Home remedies for a sore throat include warm soothing liquids and throat lozenges.

What are the symptoms of a sore throat?

Sore throat pain from a virus typically appears with the following symptoms: Runny nose. Cough.

Why do I have a red rash on my throat?

Swollen tonsils, often covered with pus or white patches. Enlarged lymph nodes. Tiny red spots that appear on the roof of the mouth. Sometimes strep bacteria will cause a red rash that spreads across your body. This is called scarlet fever . There are many reasons you can develop a sore throat.

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