How to Treat a Painful Sore Throat

Minor sore throats rarely interfere with daily life, and they may not require treatment. But if battling a painful sore throat from a cold or allergy, over-the-counter remedies and natural remedies might become necessary. Relief is available. And by taking immediate action, you can quickly soothe your painful throat and alleviate irritation.

Things You'll Need

• Liquids
• Salt
• Water
• Lozenges
• Medication

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Instructions

• 1

  Make a cup of tea. Boil a cup of water in a kettle or microwave, add a tea bag and let it brew. Hot liquids help calm throat irritation and soothe a dry throat.

• 2

  Gargle to stop irritation. Add about 1/2 tsp. of salt to an 8 ounce cup of warm water. Stir the mixture. Gargle the salt water to help stop a painful sore throat.

• 3

  Suck on throat lozenges to help treat a sore throat. Sucking on lozenges increases the production of saliva, which helps remedy a dry, scratchy throat.

• 4

  Take cold or allergy medication. Post nasal drip is a common cause of sore throats associated with colds and allergic reactions. Treat cold and allergy symptoms by taking cold medication or an antihistamine.

• 5

  Use pain relievers. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, offer fast and effective relief for painful sore throats. Take either medication as directed to help remedy discomfort.

• 6

  Limit exposure to cold air. Inhaling cold air from an air conditioner, fan or outdoor air can aggravate an existing sore throat.