How To Soothe a Sore Throat Fast

A sore throat can be the first sign of a cold, a side effect of smoking, or an indication of an infection (like strep throat). Regardless of the cause, your immediate concern when soreness strikes is how to get relief fast.

You may be tempted to run to your healthcare provider—and a medical professional can help if you have strep throat caused by a bacterial infection by prescribing antibiotics—but some of the best treatments are home remedies and over-the-counter meds, said Jeffrey Linder, MD, chief of general internal medicine and a professor of medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

Here are 13 remedies to try when you feel scratchy, hoarse, or sick.

Medications You Can Take

Sometimes that annoying scratch in your throat or incessant cough may need medication.

Antibiotics

Every once in a while—about 10% of the time in adults—a sore throat will be caused by strep throat, a bacterial infection that infects the throat and tonsils.

If, and only if, you test positive for strep throat or another bacterial infection, your healthcare provider should prescribe an antibiotic. (Taking antibiotics for a sore throat caused by a virus will not be effective.)

Always take the entire course of medicine, even if you feel better after a few days.

Anti-Inflammatories

One of the most effective treatments for a sore throat is probably already in your medicine cabinet: an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as Advil or Aleve.

"These medicines are combination pain relievers and anti-inflammatories, so they'll make you feel better, and they'll also reduce some of the swelling associated with a sore throat," Dr. Linder said. "If you have a fever that's also contributing to your symptoms, they can help reduce that as well."

NSAIDs can cause an upset stomach in some people. Taking them with food can help to prevent this.

Cough Syrup, Lozenges, or Sprays

Throat lozenges and cough drops commonly contain menthol, which can soothe a scratchy throat, or an anesthetic, like benzocaine, which can help numb throat pain. Throat sprays, like Chloraseptic, also contain anesthetics that can help to soothe a sore throat.

If you are experiencing a cough with a sore throat, cough syrup, such as Robitussin, can help reduce the cough.

Things You Can Eat or Drink

The pain you feel in your throat may make it difficult to eat or drink, but there are a few different things you can eat and drink to help soothe the pain.

Fluids

Drinking plenty of liquids and staying as hydrated as possible will 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.

Tea

Tired of drinking water? A warm cup of herbal tea can offer immediate, soothing relief for a sore throat. What's more, non-herbal teas—made with black, white, or green leaves—contain antioxidants that are thought to strengthen immunity and ward off infection.

For an extra boost, add a teaspoon of lemon juice, which contains vitamin C and can boost immune function. You can also add some honey for additional benefits.

A Spoonful of Honey

You can add honey to your tea, or you can just eat a spoonful of it too. A spoonful of honey may be all the medicine you need when it comes to easing a sore throat. Not only does the thick, syrupy texture of honey coat and soothe your throat, but it also possesses antimicrobial properties that may help you heal faster.

However, children under the age of one should not be given honey since it has been linked to cases of infant botulism.

Chicken Soup

An age-old home remedy for colds, chicken soup can also help soothe a sore throat. "The sodium in the broth may have anti-inflammatory properties, and it can feel good going down," Dr. Linder said.

Soup has an added benefit when you're sick: Eating can be painful and difficult with a swollen or very sore throat, so sipping some liquid nourishment will ensure you get the nutrients you need to fight off your infection.

Marshmallows

Sap from the marshmallow plant has been used for centuries—usually in tea form—to treat coughs, colds, and sore throats.

It may seem far-fetched, but research gives some credence to this ancient remedy. Marshmallow root tea and supplements can soothe irritated throats and minor respiratory complaints.

"It's not the wackiest thing in the world," Dr. Linder said. "If your throat is swollen and it hurts to swallow anything, I can see how something slippery and sweet like marshmallows might provide some relief."

Popsicles

Sucking on ice chips or a popsicle can help soothe a sore throat. You can buy popsicles at the store or even make your own. They might help soothe that raging throat.

Saltwater Gurgle

Gargling warm salt water a few times a day can reduce swelling in the throat and loosen mucus, helping to flush out irritants or bacteria.

Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in one cup of water. (If the salty taste is too unpleasant, add a small amount of honey to sweeten the mixture slightly.) Then, tip your head back, gargle for about 30 seconds, then spit the water out afterward.

Things You Can Do

If your sore throat is irritating you, take some action. There are a few things you can do to relieve the irritation.

Rest

It may not be the quickest solution, but getting some rest is probably the best thing you can do to battle the infection that caused your sore throat in the first place, Dr. Linder said.

"The vast majority of sore throats are caused by cold viruses, and we know that there's very little we can do to cure a cold once we've got it," Dr. Linder said. "Making sure your body is well rested will at least help it fight off the virus so you can get better sooner."

Rinse Out Your Sinuses

Post-nasal drip is a common throat irritant. Rinsing your sinuses with salt water using a nasal spray bottle, neti pot, or another irrigation device can provide relief. Nasal rinsing works by loosening thick mucus and clearing your nasal passages of:

• Dust
• Pollen
• Other debris

Make sure you use distilled or sterile water—not tap water—for sinus irrigation. Tap water may have low levels of microorganisms. Be sure to follow the instructions for the product you use to reduce your infection risk.

Use a Humidifier

If your throat is aching, sitting in a room with dry air is bound to make it way worse. To avoid this unpleasant environment, try a humidifier. This handy machine fills the air with moisture, making breathing much easier and more pleasant, which should calm your symptoms.

But, too much indoor humidity can also be a problem, especially for people with certain allergies. Both mold and dust mites thrive in a damp environment. The ideal indoor humidity level is between 40% and 50%.

A Quick Review

When it comes to soothing a sore throat, you have options. You can take medications like cough drops and syrup, eat chicken soup and drink fluids, get plenty of rest, and rinse your sinuses.

Contact a healthcare provider if your sore throat doesn't get better with treatment.