Cures for a Bad Sore Throat
A sore throat can be quite uncomfortable, with scratchiness, irritation and pain when swallowing. Medically speaking, a sore throat happens your pharynx becomes inflamed for one reason or another. One of the most common causes is from a cold or flu.
A sore throat can be quite uncomfortable, with scratchiness, irritation and pain when swallowing. Medically speaking, a sore throat happens your pharynx becomes inflamed for one reason or another. One of the most common causes is from a cold or flu. But sore throats can also be caused by allergies or over-exerting your voice. There are several different cures you can try to help alleviate your sore throat.
Liquids
MayoClinic.com advises to gargle with warm water mixed with a teaspoon of table salt. You could also try warm liquids like tea, or broth or something cold like a Popsicle or ice chips. These methods can soothe the inflammation and speed recovery.
Echinacea Herbal Mixes
A helpful treatment for sore throats, according to the ShareCare website, is Echinacea herbal mixes. Brand name mixes such as Esberitox contain two types of echinacea, along with thuja and baptisia, both of which are immune boosters. It's also easy to take and comes in a chewable form that's appropriate for kids. Always discuss herbal treatments with your doctor or pediatrician before use.
Antibiotics
According to MayoClinic.com, if your sore throat is caused by something viral like a cold or the flu, most doctors will prescribe antibiotics. Take a daily dosage exactly as recommended by your doctor, and finish the entire course of antibiotics. If taken properly, your sore throat, and any other symptoms that accompany it, should go away within 2 weeks.
Lozenges and Candies
There are quite a few over-the-counter lozenges that can help relieve and treat your sore throat. Some contain vitamin C or eucalyptus. Sucking on hard candy can also bring relief to irritated throats. ShareCare recommends eating a bit of dark chocolate, a natural cough suppressant.