How to Get Rid of a Sore Throat

Key takeaways:

• Most sore throats are caused by viral infections, which typically resolve on their own after a few days.
• There are many potential causes of sore throats, and most available remedies provide prompt relief.
• A persistent sore throat (one that doesn’t improve or worsens), along with other signs or symptoms like high fever, should not be ignored; seek advice from a medical professional.

When you have a sore throat, your first instinct is often to find relief. That can be challenging, though, since a sore throat doesn't heal like a bruise on your leg or a cut on your finger. A sore throat usually indicates an infection, but it can also arise from inflammation or irritation.

No matter what’s causing your sore throat, what truly matters when you're experiencing one is finding relief from the discomfort as quickly as possible. Fortunately, there are many effective options available.

This article will discuss the best, safest, and fastest methods for relieving a sore throat, including home remedies and advice from your doctor. You’ll also learn about critical signs to watch for and when it’s wise to seek medical care rather than treating the sore throat on your own.

Getting rid of a sore throat at home vs. consulting a doctor

Home remedies are an effective first step to soothe your throat when you start to feel discomfort. These methods have been used for hundreds of years. Most sore throats are uncomplicated and usually resolve within a few days.

However, if your sore throat persists or worsens, or if you experience other symptoms such as high fever, swelling in the neck, difficulty swallowing, or severe nasal or chest congestion, it’s important to seek advice from a medical professional.

How to soothe a sore throat at home

There are various methods of soothing a sore throat. Start by taking steps to stay hydrated: consistently drink water and other fluids, including hot beverages. Eat a healthy diet and get plenty of sleep – and take precautions to prevent spreading the illness. Because your sore throat may be contagious, wash your hands often and avoid sharing glasses or utensils.

Warm salt water rinses or gargles

Rinsing your mouth and gargling with warm salt water can help reduce inflammation and kill unwanted germs. Simply add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt to eight ounces of warm water. After mixing it together, rinse your mouth and gargle with the solution. Doing this several times a day may soothe your throat and help improve your swallowing.

Throat lozenges, hard candies, and sprays

Another remedy for a sore throat is using throat lozenges, hard candies, or throat sprays. These products are available at pharmacies, as well as the pharmacy department of large grocery stores. They provide a cool, soothing sensation to ease throat discomfort.

Many of these over-the-counter products contain menthol, peppermint, eucalyptus, lemon, and/or mild numbing agents like benzocaine. While these remedies are generally safe, be cautious not to choose products that could make swallowing difficult. Although menthol is safe in moderation, it’s still wise not to overuse lozenges, as excessive consumption may lead to long-term irritation.

Hot and cold beverages or frozen treats

You can find relief from a sore throat by drinking hot tea with lemon, soups, or coffee. Cold beverages and frozen treats may also help soothe your throat. However, it’s best to avoid dairy products, as they can thicken saliva. This makes it harder to swallow and increases the likelihood of coughing.

Diet modification

Because swallowing can be difficult when you have a sore throat, it’s best to choose soft foods or those with a thicker consistency. Avoid foods with sharp edges, like hard rolls or pizza. Instead of trying to eat a steak, opt for softer options like mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese.

Oral hygiene

Brushing your teeth or using mouthwashes is an often overlooked aspect of treating a sore throat. Good oral hygiene may relieve a sore throat by decreasing bacteria in the mouth, washing out debris, and reducing inflammation.

How a doctor can help get rid of a sore throat

In some cases, your sore throat may not go away. You might also experience other symptoms such as a high fever, neck swelling or pain, cough, chest congestion, or severe headaches. In these situations, it’s wise to seek medical attention. But what can your doctor do to help eliminate your sore throat?

Antibiotics

Although viruses cause most sore throat infections, bacteria can also be responsible. The most common bacterial infection is strep throat, which is caused by a type of bacteria known as group A streptococcus. This condition can be diagnosed using a detection test or a culture, and can be effectively treated with antibiotics.

The most common antibiotics used are:

• Penicillin
• Amoxicillin
• Cephalexin
• Erythromycin
• Azithromycin
• Clindamycin

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are prescription medications that can relieve a sore throat by reducing swelling, redness, and inflammation. These medications may relieve pain, reduce the duration of your sore throat, and improve your overall well-being. However, it is vital to use them cautiously, as they may have side effects. (Note: These are not the same steroids that athletes use to enhance muscle growth.)

Antiviral medicines

Antiviral medications are specifically used to treat a sore throat caused by a virus. Unlike antibiotics, which kill bacteria, antiviral medicines do not destroy viruses. These medications mainly work by inhibiting a virus's replication or growth. Treatment with antivirals should start within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms; if you start taking them too late, they may not be effective.

Common antiviral medications include:

• Amantadine
• Rimantadine
• Oseltamivir
• Valacyclovir
• Famciclovir

When to see a doctor about a sore throat

If your sore throat does not seem to be going away, and especially if it’s getting worse, it may be wise to seek medical attention.

You should see a doctor if:

• Your fever is over 1010F;
• Your sore throat is on one side only, and opening your mouth is painful;
• You have trouble swallowing or breathing, or are making unusual sounds when you breathe;
• You have what’s known as “hot potato voice” (muffled and thick);
• You’re coughing up yellow or green mucus or pus;
• You’re coughing up or vomiting blood;
• You have neck swelling or a stiff neck;

You should go to the emergency room if you have:

• Chest or abdominal pain;
• Irregular or rapid heartbeat;
• Excessive phlegm, or you’re coughing up blood;
• Trouble breathing;
• Trouble swallowing with severe pain;
• Airway obstruction;
• Difficulty and pain with opening your mouth;
• Severe headache;
• Malaise and/or confusion.

Questions to ask your doctor about a sore throat

You probably have many questions for your doctor about your sore throat, and that is perfectly understandable.

Here are some you may want to ask:

• Why won’t my sore throat go away?
• Am I contagious?
• What tests can be done to determine why my sore throat won’t go away?
• Should I have X-rays or a CT scan?
• Do I need my tonsils out?
• How could I have a sore throat when I had my tonsils out when I was a kid?
• If my sore throat won’t go away, does it mean I have cancer?

Frequently asked questions: getting rid of a sore throat

Here are some of the most common questions asked of healthcare providers about getting rid of a sore throat.

Can you get rid of a sore throat overnight?

It’s possible. Taking steps to stay hydrated and getting plenty of rest are two of the best ways to relieve a sore throat. If you take analgesics such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium before going to sleep, it may help reduce swelling and inflammation in your throat overnight. If you experience other symptoms like a cough or nasal congestion, using medications to loosen mucus or facilitate easier breathing at night can also help relieve your sore throat when you wake up.

Is there anything that can kill a sore throat instantly?

Topical anesthetics (known as numbing medications) can provide instant relief for a sore throat. These medications work by blocking pain signals in the throat, offering temporary relief. This temporary effect is beneficial; if the numbing lasts too long, it could interfere with swallowing, breathing, and speaking. The most common topical anesthetics are benzocaine and lidocaine, which are available in lozenges, sprays, or liquids for gargling.

What’s the best way to get rid of a sore throat without medicine?

Drinking plenty of fluids, especially hot or cold beverages, is one of the best ways to relieve a sore throat in the early stage. Popular choices include teas with honey or lemon, and coffee. Also, avoid spicy foods and any that may irritate your throat, such as those with hard edges or that require a lot of chewing. Hard candy or lozenges, preferably sugar-free, can help soothe your sore throat. Additionally, using a humidifier can add moisture to the air, and taking hot showers can also be beneficial. Finally, saltwater gargles and rinses can help alleviate inflammation and reduce the risk of infection.

Managing a sore throat

Sore throats are no fun, and when you have one, getting rid of it is uppermost in your mind. Most home remedies and treatments aim to relieve discomfort in similar ways. Resolving a sore throat is usually not difficult, and most improve on their own within a few days. In more serious cases, medical care is necessary.

General Medicine follows a strict editorial process, including using real experts to write our articles, vetted primary sources, fact-checking, a secondary medical review, and updates as necessary. This article was medically reviewed and fact checked by Dr. Adam Carewe, MD.

Sources

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