Sore Throat

Sore throats are not normally an illness all on their own. They are a symptom of several other medical conditions. Infections are the main cause of sore throats and usually are contagious. These infections can be caused by either bacterial infections, like strep, or viral infections, like the flu. Less often they are caused by allergies, irritants and reflux disease.

When the sore throat is caused by bacteria, a doctor may prescribe an antibiotic as a treatment. When the sore throat is caused by a virus, there is nothing the doctor can do as a treatment, since viruses are not affected by antibiotics.

Some signs and symptoms that may be associated with a sore throat are red, irritated throat, pain, scratchy feeling, fever, difficulty swallowing, and a hoarse voice.

Home Remedies for Sore Throat:

Home remedies are often used on sore throats. Some are more effective than others, but all have met with success on many people. Some home remedies for a sore throat include:

Warm Tea and Honey:

When it comes to sore throats, warm tea with honey may be the most popular home remedy around. There is really nothing more soothing on a sore throat than a cup of warm (close to hot) tea with a dollop of honey in it. This natural cure coats the throat, calming irritation and helping to stop coughing which can be a further irritant.

Chicken Soup:

Since sore throats are often linked to the common cold, chicken soup can be considered a natural cure for this irritation. When the soup is warm (close to hot), it will help to soothe the throat and minimize that scratchy feeling you might be experiencing. No one knows quite why chicken soup works on a cold, but it certainly does for many people.

Moist Heat Humidifier:

Adding some humidity to the air in your bedroom, especially when you sleep, can be a great natural cure for your sore throat. This home remedy prevents your throat from becoming dry when you sleep, which will help minimize the scratchy, irritated feelings once you wake up. It may also improve your sleep, as you won’t wake up coughing due to irritation as often.

Gargle with Salt Water:

Just a half a cup of warm water and approximately a quarter of a teaspoon of salt should do it. This home remedy has been around for ages and many people swear by its effectiveness. You take the mixture described above and gargle several times a day at the first sign of a sore throat.

Over the Counter Pain Relievers:

Although not a natural cure, so to speak, these items can be used to help with the pain and fever that can be associated with your illness, including the pain of your sore throat.