I’m sure we’ve all experienced a sore throat at some point in our lives. It’s an uncomfortable experience that no one enjoys. For those who don’t know, a sore throat or strep throat is an inflammation of the pharynx, the tube that connects the back of the nose to the top of the windpipe. It’s caused by a variety of things, from colds and allergies to smoking or even just overuse of the voice. The pain and discomfort can range from mild to severe, and the discomfort can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
When I’m struggling with a sore throat, I want relief fast. That’s why I’ve developed a list of tried-and-true methods to get rid of a sore throat quickly. Here are my top tips for killing a sore throat fast:
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Salt Water Gargles
I recently had a sore throat and decided to try saltwater gargles as one of the natural remedies to relieve sore throat pain. I mixed some warm water with a teaspoon of salt, stirred it up until the salt was dissolved, and then gargled with the mixture for about 30 seconds. Afterward, I spat out the liquid and rinsed my mouth out with plain water. After doing this several times throughout the day, I noticed that my sore throat was feeling better.
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Popsicles or Extra-Cold Drinks
Having a sore throat can be really uncomfortable and painful. One of the best ways to help soothe my sore throat is by having popsicles or extra-cold drinks. The coldness helps numb the pain and reduce inflammation while also providing me with much needed hydration.
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Take Vitamins and Supplements
Vitamins are essential for good health, as they provide us with the nutrients we need to stay healthy and fight off infections. Taking a daily multivitamin is an easy way to ensure my body has all the necessary vitamins it needs.
Vitamins strengthen the immune system by providing our bodies with antioxidants which help reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. They also support digestive health by helping break down food into smaller molecules so our bodies can absorb them more effectively. Lastly, some vitamins have anti-viral properties, which may help speed up recovery time when dealing with an illness like sore throat and another form of viral infection.
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Herbal Remedies
Herbal tea sore throat remedies are another great way to kill a sore throat quickly. Herbs like ginger, turmeric, licorice root, marshmallow root, slippery elm bark, chamomile tea, and echinacea have all been used for centuries as remedies for sore throat.
These herbs contain anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling in my throat and provide relief from pain and discomfort. They also contain antioxidants that can help boost my immune system so I can fight off any bacterial infections that may cause my sore throat to worse.
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Steam Therapy
Steam therapy is another great way to ease sore throat pain. The steam helps loosen mucus in the airways which can help me reduce inflammation in the throat and provide relief from pain and discomfort. I also used an electric humidifier or simply boiled some water on the stovetop and inhaled the steam for 10 minutes at a time several times throughout the day to treat sore throats until my symptoms improved.
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Throat Lozenges
I’m so grateful for throat lozenges. For me, they are a lifesaver when I’m dealing with the pain of a sore throat. They help me feel more comfortable, provide pain relief and make it easier to get through the day.
I love how quickly they dissolve in my mouth and how they help to soothe my sore throat. I’m always sure to keep a few in my pocket just in case I feel the onset of sore throat pain. They’re easy to take with me wherever I go, and I always have relief at my fingertips. Plus, they provide a pleasant flavor, and I don’t have to worry about taking any pills.
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Throat Sprays
Having a sore throat can be extremely uncomfortable and even debilitating at times. I have found that using throat sprays to help relieve my sore throat pain is essential. Not only do they help to soothe my discomfort, but they also help to reduce inflammation and provide relief from dryness.
I have found that using a throat spray on a regular basis is an effective way to ease my sore throat symptoms and prevent them from becoming worse. Throat sprays are also great for providing relief from irritation caused by post nasal drip and other respiratory conditions. I love that throat sprays are easy to use, mess-free, and provide fast-acting relief.
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Hydration
Staying hydrated is essential to soothe a sore throat fast because it helps thin out the mucus in my airways which makes it easier for my body to expel any bacterial infection or viruses that may be causing your symptoms in the first place.
I drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, such as water, herbal teas, fruit juices (especially high with vitamin C), soup broths, etc., so I don’t become dehydrated, which will only make my symptoms worse.
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Rest
Getting plenty of rest is key when trying to kill a sore throat fast because it gives my body time to heal itself naturally without having to rely on medications or other treatments that may not be as effective in treating my symptoms long term.
I make sure to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night, so I am well rested when dealing with any type of illness or infection that may be causing my symptoms in the first place.
Symptoms of Sore Throat Pain
I had a sore throat for about a week, and at first, I thought I would just be able to get over it with some rest. But as the days went by, I began to experience more and more symptoms of a sore throat.
Painful Swallowing
One of the most severe sore throat symptoms of sore throat pain is difficulty swallowing. This can range from mild discomfort when swallowing to intense pain that makes it difficult to eat or drink anything at all. I also feel a burning sensation in my throat when trying to swallow.
Hoarseness
Another symptom I often experience with sore throat pain is hoarseness in my voice. My voice may sound raspy or strained, and speaking for long periods of time can become uncomfortable and even painful.
Soreness
The area around my throat may also feel tender or sore when I have sore throat pain. This can make it difficult to turn my head from side to side or move my neck too much without feeling discomfort. The area may also appear redder than usual due to inflammation caused by infection or irritation in the area.
Coughing and Sneezing
I may also find myself coughing or sneezing more frequently when I have sore throat pain. This could be due to post-nasal drip caused by allergies or infection in the sinuses and nasal passages that irritates the back of the throat and causes coughing fits. Sneezing is another common symptom associated with sore throats, as allergens in the air can cause irritation in the nasal passages, which then leads to sneezing fits.
Fever and Chills
In some cases, I may experience fever and chills along with sore throat pain. A fever is usually an indication that there is an infection present in your body and should not be ignored if it persists for more than a few days without any other signs of illness present (such as a runny nose). Chills are another sign that something more serious could be going on and should not be ignored either if they persist for several days without any other signs of illness present (such as fever).
Foods to Avoid When You’re Battling Sore Throats
When you’re battling a sore throat, the last thing you want to do is make it worse. Unfortunately, some of the foods we eat can actually aggravate a sore throat and make it harder for your body to heal. That’s why it’s important to know which foods to avoid when you’re fighting a sore throat.
Dairy Products
Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and ice cream contain high levels of fat and mucus-forming properties that can irritate an already inflamed throat. The mucus created by dairy products can also cause congestion in the chest and sinuses, making it difficult for your body to fight off infection. Additionally, dairy products are difficult for many people to digest and can lead to bloating or stomach discomfort. For these reasons, it is best to avoid dairy products while dealing with a sore throat.
Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic beverages such as beer or wine contain high levels of sugar and other compounds that can irritate an already inflamed throat even further. Additionally, alcohol has been shown to weaken the immune system, which makes it harder for your body to fight off infection or heal from injury quickly enough.
For these reasons, it is best to avoid alcoholic beverages while dealing with a sore throat in order to give yourself the best chance at recovery without any additional complications or delays due to alcohol consumption.
Caffeinated Beverages
Caffeinated beverages such as coffee or tea contain stimulants that can increase heart rate and blood pressure, which may worsen any existing symptoms associated with a sore throat, such as coughing or difficulty breathing due to congestion caused by mucus buildup in the airways or chest cavity area.
Furthermore, caffeine has been shown to dehydrate the body, making it more difficult for cells to repair themselves properly. Therefore, it is recommended to limit caffeinated beverages while dealing with a sore throat so that you don’t exacerbate any existing symptoms.
Processed Foods
Processed foods can be very hard on the throat due to their high levels of sodium and preservatives. Not only can they be hard to swallow, but they can also irritate the throat and make it harder to heal.
Also Read: What to Eat When You Have a Cold and Sore Throat
Common Complications from Untreated or Poorly Treated Sore Throats
When we suffer from a sore throat, we may be tempted to ignore it and hope it’ll go away on its own, but this can lead to serious health complications.
Sinusitis
When the infection from a sore throat spreads to the sinuses, it can cause sinusitis. Symptoms of sinusitis include facial pressure and pain, nasal congestion, and a decreased sense of smell and taste.
Ear Infections
One of the most common complications of a sore throat is an ear infection. This is because the bacteria or virus that caused the sore throat can also infect the ear. Signs of an ear infection include drainage from the ear, pain, fever, and trouble hearing.
Rheumatic Fever
A serious complication of strep throat can cause permanent damage to the heart, joints, and nervous system.
Glomerulonephritis
An inflammation of the kidneys caused by bacteria from a sore throat can lead to kidney failure if left untreated.
Otitis Media
An infection of the middle ear caused by bacteria or viruses from a sore throat can cause hearing loss or balance problems if not treated promptly.
Peritonsillar Abscesses
Collections of pus around the tonsils caused by bacterial infections are usually associated with sore throats, which may require surgical drainage for the treatment depending on the severity.
Prevention Strategies for Avoiding Recurring or Chronic sore throats
When it comes to sore throats, prevention is definitely key. Here are some tried and true tips for avoiding recurring or chronic sore throats:
- Practice good hygiene by washing your hands often and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid smoking, secondhand smoke, and other air pollutants that can irritate the throat.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and help thin mucus secretions in the throat.
- Gargle salt water or use a saline nasal spray several times a day to reduce inflammation in the throat area.
- Use a humidifier at home or work to keep your environment moist, which will also help soothe sore throats caused by dryness or irritation from allergens like dust mites or pet dander.
- Eat foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables, to boost immunity against infection-causing bacteria and viruses that cause sore throats
- Avoid spicy foods that can aggravate an already inflamed throat lining
When to See a Doctor About Your Sore Throat
If your sore throat has lasted longer than a week, it is recommended that you see a doctor to determine the cause and get treatment. Other signs that warrant an immediate visit to the doctor include difficulty swallowing, swollen lymph nodes in your neck, fever over 101°F (38°C), or white patches on your tonsils.