How to fix a sore throat fast

Call your pharmacy or contact them online before going in person. You can get medicines delivered or ask someone to collect them.

You do not normally need antibiotics for a sore throat because they will not usually relieve your symptoms or speed up your recovery.

They'll only be prescribed if a GP thinks you could have a bacterial infection.

What is a sore throat?

Nobody likes waking up with a sore throat. A sore throat, or pharyngitis, is one of the top reasons people call out sick from work or visit the doctor's office.

A sore throat is just what it sounds like — a soreness or discomfort inside your throat. It can be associated with many different illnesses or conditions, so a sore throat itself is typically only a symptom of a bigger concern. Depending on what’s causing your sore throat, a variety of approaches may help you find relief.

7 at-home remedies for a sore throat

If your sore throat is the result of a virus, you'll need to rest and let your body heal.  

Here are seven more things you can do at home to soothe the pain: 

Saltwater gargle

Saltwater may not provide instant relief, but it's a way to kill bacteria, loosen mucus, and ease the pain. Mix half a teaspoon of salt with eight ounces of warm water, gargle, and spit. 

Honey and lemon

Honey has antibacterial properties and helps reduce inflammation. It also acts as a natural cough suppressant. Lemon juice breaks up mucus and contains immunity-boosting vitamin C to fight your infection. Mix one teaspoon of lemon juice with two tablespoons of honey. Add it to a cup of tea or hot water, stir well, and sip away.  

Herbal tea

Some herbs help heal a sore throat. Three good options for relieving inflammation and pain are: 

• Chamomile 
• Raspberry
• Peppermint 

Humidifier 

Dry air is harsh on the throat and lungs, especially during the winter months. A humidifier will open your sinuses and keep the air in your room moist, making it easier to breathe. 

Lozenges or hard candies

Sucking on a throat lozenge or candy helps produce saliva which can soothe your sore throat by keeping it from drying out. 

Throat spray 

A throat spray with numbing agents like lidocaine or even an herbal mixture of echinacea and sage can relieve a scratchy throat. Spray your throat liberally a few times a day. 

Over-the-counter pain medications

Over-the-counter pain medications, like or ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can also help alleviate throat pain and body aches.

Risks and outlook for a sore throat

Sore throat pain associated with a virus is typically mild, lasts for a few days, and responds well to at-home treatment. If you have untreated strep throat or a condition like tonsilitis, you may have throat pain for much longer.

When to see your doctor

If your sore throat is severe, you have a rash, swollen tonsils, or a fever over 101 degrees that lasts for longer than a day, it's time to make an appointment with your doctor. It's likely strep or another bacterial infection. In this situation, you'll typically be prescribed antibiotics and can continue the at-home remedies to soothe your throat pain.

Medically Reviewed on 2/25/2021

References

American Osteopathic Association: "Sore Throat." Centers For Disease Control and Prevention: "Sore Throat | Community | Antibiotic Use." News in Health: "Soothing a Sore Throat."

Penn Medicine: "6 At-Home Remedies to Ease Your Sore Throat."

Sore throat remedies

Sore throat, or pharyngitis, refers to pain, tenderness, or discomfort in the throat. It is most commonly caused by mild viral infections like the flu or common cold, but can also be a result of other health conditions. A sore throat typically appears with symptoms like cough, runny nose, dry/raspy sensation in the throat and mouth, and a hoarse voice. You may also experience difficulty and pain while swallowing foods or liquids.

Whether your sore throat is caused by a virus, acid reflux, or exposure to smoke, there are a number of home remedies that can bring you quick relief. Here are 10 ways to soothe the pain and irritation of a sore throat:

1. Saltwater gargles

Gargling with salt water reduces inflammation in the throat and eases symptoms of pain and abrasion. It loosens mucus and brings irritants to the surface of the throat where the body can eliminate them more quickly. Saltwater also has antibacterial properties and helps keep the throat clean. Simply mix half a teaspoon of salt in about eight ounces of water and gargle every two to three hours.

2. Herbal teas

Many different types of herbal tea can help relieve the scratchy feeling of a sore throat. Both green tea and clove tea have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can fight off infections. Fruit- or flower-based teas like raspberry and chamomile act as natural lubricants that can soothe the irritation in your throat. Peppermint tea is another great option for a sore throat, as it eases pain by numbing the throat.

3. Honey and lemon

A mixture of lemon juice and honey is packed with natural antibacterial and pain-relieving properties. Honey reduces swelling in the throat while lemon juice breaks up mucus and provides pain relief. Lemon also contains a lot of Vitamin C, which boosts your immune system to help wipe out the infection. Add one teaspoon of lemon juice and two tablespoons of honey to tea or hot water and sip away.

4. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is strongly acidic and is known to have powerful antimicrobial properties. It breaks down the mucus deposited in your throat and prevents the infection from spreading. Mix one to two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in a cup of hot water and gargle. Be careful not to drink the mixture as it may cause digestive problems. Do not use this method if you have a known sensitivity to vinegar. 

5. Chicken soup

Chicken soup contains a large number of proteins, antioxidants, and amino acids that help your body fight off infection. It is also high in gelatin which soothes the back of the throat and reduces the pain of swallowing. Chicken broth made with garlic can be especially helpful in treating a sore throat. It keeps the throat hydrated, nourishes the body, and reduces nasal congestion.

6. Ginger root tea or ale

Ginger is very effective in reducing swelling and congestion in the throat, as it is a natural antihistamine. Ginger has a strong antiviral and antibacterial effect and breaks down excess mucus in the throat. Sip ginger ale made with real ginger or make your own fresh ginger tea at home.

7. Popsicles or extra-cold drinks

Although the first few sips or bites can be painful, the icy liquid can help numb your throat and ease inflammation. It works exactly like an ice pack and soothes the swelling in your throat. You could also suck on ice cubes or chips for the same effect. Avoid dairy-based ice cream as it can increase mucus production and worsen a sore throat.

8. Humidifiers

Dry air is harsh on the lungs and irritates the sore throat. This can increase the pain or tenderness in the throat and extend recovery time. Use a clean humidifier to bring some moisture into your room. This makes the air easier to breathe and helps open up congested sinuses. If your nose is severely stuffed, try inhaling steam from a safe distance.

9. Lymph node massage

Massaging the lymph nodes causes lymphatic drainage that can reduce the infection in the throat. This method is most likely to be effective if your lymph nodes already feel sensitive and tender to the touch. Locate the swollen lymph nodes at the side of the neck and rub them gently in a downward motion. This massage technique improves circulation and helps eliminate toxins from the throat.

10. Throat lozenges or hard candy

Over-the-counter (OTC) lozenges can quickly provide temporary relief from soreness in the throat. Sucking on lozenges or hard candy increases saliva production. The saliva lubricates the throat and keeps it from getting dry and scratchy. Most cough drops also contain ingredients like menthol, eucalyptus, and honey that help ease the pain.

Having a sore throat can be miserable but these simple home remedies are effective against the pain and discomfort. Make sure you get enough rest and drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to speed up recovery. It is not generally necessary to see a doctor for a mild case of sore throat. You could try taking OTC pain medications like ibuprofen or throat sprays with lidocaine to relieve the pain and tenderness. Get in touch with your healthcare provider if you have swollen tonsils, difficulty breathing, or a fever over 101 degrees in addition to the sore throat.