We’ve all experienced it…that scratchy, burning, painful sensation in the throat that makes talking, eating, and even sleeping uncomfortable. While sore throats are common and usually not serious, knowing the causes, symptoms, and best home remedies can make recovery much smoother.
6 Causes of Sore Throat
Your throat or tonsils might also look red. Signs might include:
- sore, swollen glands in your neck or jaw,
- swollen and red tonsils,
- white patches or pus on your tonsils.
A sore throat can come from more than just catching a cold. As shown above, common causes include infections, allergies, dry air, and even overusing your voice. Knowing what’s behind the discomfort is the first step to choosing the right remedy.
Recognizing Sore Throat Symptoms
Symptoms can vary depending on what’s causing the sore throat, but they often include a dry feeling, pain when swallowing, redness at the back of the throat, and swollen neck glands. Some people may also experience hoarseness or mild fever.
Symptoms can vary based on the cause, but commonly include:
- Pain or irritation, especially when swallowing or speaking
- Scratchy, dry, or burning sensation
- Swollen glands in the neck or jaw
- Redness or white patches on the tonsils
- General fatigue or body aches
- Ear ache or joint pain (in more severe cases)
Sore throats caused by a viral infection usually get better on their own in two to seven days. Yet some causes of a sore throat need to be treated. Call a doctor if you have any potentially more severe symptoms.
Homemade Remedies to Soothe a Sore Throat
Having a sore throat isn’t fun, but you can feel better with simple things at home. Before heading to the doctor or pharmacy, try these easy home remedies to soothe throat inflammation.
1. Gargle with Warm Salt Water
Mix 1 teaspoon of salt with 1 cup of warm water and gargle every hour or two. Salt helps to kill bacteria, flush out irritants and reduce swelling.
2. Ice-ice Baby!
Cold food or beverages such as ice water, popsicles and ice creams can numb throat pain by acting as temporary numbing agent to ease the discomfort.
3. Honey
Honey is a time-honoured remedy to soothe a sore throat. According to Abuelgasim et al. (2020), honey was proven to slow down the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Honey also contains antioxidants which can help to prevent cell damage.
4. Sip turmeric tea
Turmeric has natural anti-inflammatory properties. Mix ½ teaspoon into hot water or buy pre-packed turmeric tea bags for convenience.
5. Use a humidifier
Exposure to dry air causes the saliva in the throat to evaporate, making it feel rough and scratchy. Moisten the air with a humidifier to prevent a dry throat.
6. Soothe with Throat Lozenges
Lozenges are small, medicated tablets used to temporarily relieve symptoms caused by sore throat pain. Active ingredients such as cough suppressants, antiseptics and soothing compounds may be added too. Strepsils & Difflam lozenges are excellent in providing quick relief.
7. Take Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps boost your immune system and can support your body’s ability to fight off infections that cause sore throats.
Over-the-Counter Medications When Natural Remedies Aren’t Enough
If the pain is persistent or severe, over-the-counter options can offer relief:
💊Paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce pain and swelling
💊Throat spray or oral spray (e.g., with benzocaine) for targeted pain relief
