A sore throat is a symptom of pharyngitis, or swelling and irritation in the throat. Symptoms include pain, difficulty swallowing and a dry throat. You may also experience swollen glands, swollen tonsils and possibly white patches on the throat and tonsils. The most common cause is a viral infection. Less common causes include bacterial infections, such as a strep infection, allergies and environmental irritants. MayoClinic.com says patients with bacterial infections should take antibiotics. For other infections or irritants, the symptoms usually resolve on their own with home care. If the pain is severe or if symptoms last more than a week, consult a physician.
Over-the-Counter Remedies
Natural throat lozenges have herbs including horehound, lemon balm and linden flowers that coat and soothe the throat. Natural lozenges may also include menthol, which is an oral anesthetic. Other lozenges contain a numbing agent called benzocaine in addition to menthol. MayoClinic.com suggests taking pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen but cautions that children and teenagers with chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should avoid aspirin.
Lifestyle Remedies
Use a humidifier or warm steam from a shower to keep the air moist, which is easier on a sore throat. MayoClinic.com also suggests getting plenty of sleep and resting your voice. If you smoke, either stop or cut back significantly. Cover your mouth in cold, dry, weather and breathe through your nose as much as possible.
Home Remedies
Warm liquids such as broth, tea and hot lemon and honey moisten and soothe the throat. MayoClinic.com also suggests gargling with warm salt water. Linda B. White, author of "The Herbal Drug Store," suggests teas made from licorice root or marshmallow, and also plantain or mullein. White cautions that pregnant or nursing women and those with high blood pressure or diabetes should not consume licorice root, nor should those with liver and kidney disease, or heart and thyroid disease. If the sore throat has a viral cause, White recommends shiitake mushrooms for their anti-viral and immune-boosting effects.
References
- "The Herbal Drug Store"; Linda B. White and Steven Foster; 2000
- MayoClinic.com: Sore Throat
- Drugs.com: Cepacol Sore Throat Lozenges
- Ricola USA: Product Facts
