1. Could Be Bacterial or Viral
Consult with a doctor to determine if a viral or bacterial infection is responsible for your sore throat. The common cold often causes a sore throat but because it is a viral infection, you can't do much to treat it other than alleviate its symptoms. Doctors can prescribe an antibiotic to treat bacterial infections such as strep throat. The sore throat disappears once the medication treats the infection.
2. It's so Irritating
Sore throats can be caused by many irritants, all of which you can avoid to reduce or eliminate pain and discomfort. Don't strain your throat and vocal membranes, especially by yelling. Learn to speak loudly by supporting your voice with deep breaths. Avoid eating just before you go to bed, as regurgitated stomach acid can travel up the esophagus and irritate the back of your throat. Sleep with your head elevated about four inches higher than the foot of the bed. If you smoke and cough excessively due to smoking, you are more likely to experience a raw, irritated throat. Join a program to help you quit smoking and make sure to stay away from smoky rooms.
3. Tame Your Environment
Control environmental factors that may be contributing to your sore throat. For persistent or chronic sore throats, try sleeping with a humidifier next to your bed. Additionally, ask your doctor to determine if allergens, such as pollen or mold, are the cause. You may need to invest in allergen free bed linens, install an air purifier or remove old carpeting from your home.
4. Buy Relief
Manage the pain associated with sore throats and alleviate irritation due to allergies and environmental pollutants by taking over the counter pain relief such as ibuprofen or an antihistamine, such as Benadryl. Likewise, suck on antiseptic and numbing lozenges or coat the back of your throat with an antiseptic spray to relieve pain temporarily.
5. Cook a Concoction
Homeopathic remedies can soothe a sore throat. There's truth to your mother telling you to gargle with warm salt water. It washes away excess mucus and causes capillaries to increase in size, promoting the circulation of infection-fighting antibodies at the site. There are other items in your pantry you can also use as a sore throat remedies. Peel the skin from a ginger root and slice it thinly. Place the sliced ginger in a pot of boiling water and let it steep until it turns the color of straw. Sweeten the tea with honey and sip the drink slowly. As an alternative, add crushed thyme leaves to a cup of boiling water and let it steep for five minutes. Remove the leaves and either gargle with the tea or drink it.
