To treat a sore throat, several effective home remedies and treatments are recommended:
- Gargle with warm, salty water (half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) to reduce inflammation and soothe the throat. Spit out the solution after gargling and do not swallow it. This is suitable for adults and older children but not for young children due to choking risk.
- Drink plenty of fluids, including warm teas (such as chamomile or peppermint) that have anti-inflammatory properties, or cold drinks like ice water or popsicles to numb pain.
- Eat cool or soft foods that are easy to swallow.
- Avoid smoking or exposure to smoke, which can irritate the throat further.
- Suck on ice cubes, ice lollies, or hard sweets (avoiding them in young children due to choking risks) to soothe the throat.
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
- Use medicated lozenges or throat sprays containing anesthetics or antiseptics, like menthol or benzocaine, for quick temporary pain relief.
- Rest well to help the body recover.
- Using a humidifier to keep the air moist can help relieve dryness and throat discomfort.
Antibiotics are not usually needed unless a bacterial infection (e.g., strep throat) is diagnosed by a healthcare provider. One should see a doctor if the sore throat persists more than a week, is very severe, or is accompanied by symptoms like high fever, swollen glands, or difficulty swallowing. These approaches are supported by trusted health sources such as NHS, Cleveland Clinic, NIH, and others as of 2025.
