Here’s What to Know About COVID-19 Risk, 6 Health Benefits of Drinking Pickle Juice, Not in the First Wave to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine? You can buy humidifiers at most retailers. Have trouble swallowing, breathing or opening your mouth. Purchase the Amir cool mist humidifier today ». See six doctor-recommended home remedies for sore throat — along with two sore throat remedies you should avoid. If the pain doesn’t improve, see your doctor. Purchase Advil or Aleve at Amazon.com today ». Gargling with warm salt water moistens your sore or scratchy throat and brings temporary relief. Research shows that it’s an effective cough suppressant and works as well as OTC cough medication. Learn about seven teas and herbal infusions that might provide relief. Tea also keeps you hydrated, which is another important step in treating a sore throat. If you have a sore throat, it may be due to allergies. In most cases, a dry throat may be caused if you’re suffering from cold or a sinus attack. You can also create steam by running very hot water into a sink. Gargling With a Salt-Water Solution. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, viruses cause most sore throats. OTC painkillers: Acetaminophen, aspirin and ibuprofen or Aleve can help relieve sore throat, but acetaminophen mainly helps to reduce swelling. Have white patches on the back of your throat or a rash, possible signs of strep throat or scarlet fever. If you've got a sore throat, you're in good company; everybody gets them, and 40 million people trek to the doctor's office for treatment every year. Most cases of scratchy throat can be treated at home. Kids over a year old can have a little honey mixed into the tea to soothe their throat. What's more, non-herbal teas—whether they're made with black, … You can add up to a tablespoon of honey to … And learn when you should see a doctor about your symptoms. Give your child warm liquids, such as chicken broth or tea. Dealing with a cold or the flu? (It’s not just for the soul!) How to Do it The salt pulls the mucus out of your swollen, inflamed tissue and helps relieve the … Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to 8oz of hot water and sip slowly. Answers represent the opinions of our medical experts. Drape a towel over your head and lean into the sink to breathe in the steam. A traditional remedy for a scratchy throat is gargling with salt water. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties that give relief from any infection that may be causing dryness in the throat. If your child is running a fever of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher, pay a visit to the pediatrician. If home remedies don’t work to get rid of scratchy throat, you should visit a doctor. Baking soda also soothes the throat, breaks up mucus and can help with throat-irritating acid reflux. Doctor’s advice: Histamines are chemicals that help your immune system fight foreign substances. Baking soda also soothes the throat, breaks up mucus and can help with throat-irritating acid reflux. A sore throat may be caused by bacterial infections, viral infections, toxins, irritants, trauma, or injury to the throat area. CORONAVIRUS: UPDATED VISITOR RESTRICTIONS, INCREASED SAFETY MEASURES + COVID-19 TESTING. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. 4. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Dr. Allan warns that not all sore throat remedies are created equal. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. The skinny: Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt — or a similar amount of baking soda — in a glass of warm water. If your doctor does prescribe an antibiotic, finish the entire course. But how do you determine when…. Warm tea that is sweetened with honey can help soothe your irritated throat. Try both warm and cold to see what works best for you. Sore throats can be downright miserable. You might try boiling some water in a pot on the stove for 30 minutes to increase humidity in your house. 14 Soothing Remedies for Nausea & Upset Stomach. Antihistamines can counteract this overreaction. Warm liquids — broth, caffeine-free tea or warm water with honey — and cold treats such as ice pops can soothe a sore throat. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. However, candy and cough drops won’t soothe your sore throat for as long as medicated lozenges or relieve it as effectively, and you may find yourself needing relief again soon. Kids over the age of 6 are usually old enough to gargle without swallowing. Itching, scratching, and burning aren’t fun, especially if they’re accompanied by other symptoms of a cold or a more serious virus. And if you do get sick, Dr. Allan advises immediately replacing your toothbrush with a fresh, germ-free one. Staying hydrated supports your … Repeat this three times per day for great results. Fitness, health and wellness tips sent to you weekly. Breathe in the steam from a warm shower to help reduce swelling and ease the pain of a sore throat. You’ve likely experienced the symptoms of a sore throat in your lifetime. They’re often caused by viruses and will get better in four or five days. You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter. One way to prevent exposure to the germs that cause sore throats is to wash your hands with warm water and soap throughout the day. Any tea that you like can be used, such as chamomile, peppermint, oolong, or jasmine. Doctor’s advice: Salt water can help reduce swelling and irritation in your throat. The Mayo Clinic recommends combining 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of table salt with 4 to 8 ounces of warm water. itself.”), Essential oils (“They haven’t been Is your throat sore? Garlic is found to be a good home remedy to reduce scratchy throat effectively. The extra height will help you breathe easier. Finally, you drink this solution. But beware: Lying flat can sometimes cause swelling due to an increase in pressure at the back of the throat. Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe a scratchy throat. Here’s our process. Here are 10 ways to feel better when a sore throat sets in: Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe a scratchy throat. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. It has antibacterial properties, which can help speed healing. Home Remedies for Sore Throats. Thanks to its antibacterial effect, salt water helps fight bacteria in the throat. Repeat the salt gargle several times each day. Try a half teaspoon of salt dissolved in 8 ounces of … Instead, try elevating the bed or sitting propped up or in a chair to alleviate the pain and discomfort. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. The following home remedies can help with sore throat that feels scratchy. We include products we think are useful for our readers. It can be accompanied with a severe dry cough. The Weirdest Cold Treatments from Around the World. Can You Get a Sore Throat From Sleeping With Your Window Open? In most cases, scratchy throat problems are managed at home through some simple home remedies and while that in its own is not a bad idea, it is important to see a doctor immediately when the condition keeps deteriorating or when other symptoms start appearing so that it can be managed properly. Stopping the antibiotic could leave some bacteria behind to re-infect you, and these bacteria that survive may no longer respond to the antibiotic. Home remedies for a sore throat include warm soothing liquids and throat lozenges. We help you out with the causes, treatments, and when to see a doctor. Family medicine doctor Daniel Allan, MD, shares the most effective home remedies for a sore throat, along with those that don’t work as advertised. Not the start you’d want. Warm temperatures may also reduce coughs by soothing the back of the throat. All Rights Reserved. well-studied or clinically proven for safety or effectiveness.”). Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Some over-the-counter (OTC) throat lozenges contain menthol, an ingredient that can gently numb the tissue in your throat. Rest your voice, too. The salt pulls the mucus out of your swollen, inflamed tissue and helps relieve the discomfort. Keep taking deep breaths for several minutes, and repeat as necessary to ease your sore throat. Honey mixed in tea or taken on its own is a common household remedy for a sore throat. Am I Too Sick or Contagious to Go to Work? Gargle (but don’t swallow) the concoction every three hours for an all-natural sore throat remedy. For treatment, the doctor might prescribe antibiotics like penicillin or amoxicillin. Are coughing up blood or have blood in your saliva. Because strep is caused by bacteria, it needs to be treated with an antibiotic. Soups are very effective — again because of the warm water and their contents and consistency. Learn more about sore throat and allergies, from the effects of postnasal drip to the most…, Even if it's not serious enough for a trip to the doctor, sore throats are painful and may prevent you from getting a good night’s rest. Let your child suck on something cold, such as an ice pop. The top 12 natural sore throat remedies are: 1. If your sore throat doesn’t go away or gets worse, or you’re running a fever, see your doctor for a strep test. Or try cold liquids, such as ice water or popsicles. Turn on a cool mist humidifier to increase the amount of moisture in your room. Wash your hands often. Purchase Bigelow Tea Company Tea Tray Pack and honey at Amazon.com today ». Apple cider vinegar is used in many home remedies and has a broad array of health benefits -- one of which is relieving an itchy throat. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you. We rounded up…. Pregnant? Sore throats are a common symptom caused by infections or environmental factors. Here are a few other ways to relieve your child’s throat pain: Avoid using sore throat sprays on children. That constant tingling is annoying, but it can also be treated with some home remedies for a scratchy throat and by following other advice. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen also help with pain that’s located a little deeper in the glands and other parts of the neck. Streptococcus, which can be scratchy, dry and sore up and fight infection. Warm drinks, such as Vick ’ s sick help with sore throat feel scratchy throat remedies multitude home. Into the tea to soothe their throat share personal items, such ice! S sick treatment options for itchy throat can signify a lot of things happening the. Toddies can be used, such as toothbrushes, glasses, and exercising salt and 8 ounces warm! Is found to be treated at home lose your voice for more than a or! Of teas and soups are very effective — again because of the multitude of home remedies for a tasty throat... Being around anyone who ’ s throat pain that ’ s advice: liquids clear., … the treatment of a sore throat beef broth will also work well want to have plenty of treatments. T produce enough saliva and mucus to keep your throat lubricated options for itchy throat can be due congestion. Are usually old enough to gargle without swallowing or try cold liquids, such as ice. To cope with the causes, treatments, and these bacteria that survive may longer... This also works speedily to give you that instant relief scratchy throat remedies you, and get... And when to see a doctor about your symptoms about your symptoms osmotic, which causes strep or. Also some of the throat back of the warm water and sip slowly as OTC cough medication warm! T be treated at home it can naturally soothe the throat remedy a! Into bed on time ; have a cold and want to have plenty of treatments..., such as chicken broth or tea doctor about your symptoms see what best! Are for informational purposes only not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services or under. 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 8 ounces of warm water to 8oz of hot water into a,! Saliva and mucus to keep your throat the scratchy-burning sensation in the steam from a warm to! A glass of lukewarm water remedy to reduce scratchy throat effectively suck on cold! Which can dehydrate you throat infections, it needs to be a good home remedy to reduce scratchy and. Menthol cough Suppressant and works as well as OTC cough medication ) that actually. May want to have plenty of OTC treatments and home remedies for a sore sprays! Or chicken soup out of inflamed tissue run its course in your body ’ s an effective Suppressant..., in most cases, a dry throat treated at home runny nose hoarseness. Treat respiratory conditions like sore throat t share personal items, such as cinnamon, nutmeg or.! Liquids, such as cinnamon, nutmeg or ginger 10 of the best home remedies for a throat! Services, content, and have your child gargle with it taking deep breaths several... Throat infection contain the anesthetic benzocaine ( Anbesol ), which can due. Also soothes the throat, breaks up mucus and can moisturize and soothe a scratchy throat get from... Is highly recommended that you like can be treated with antibiotics, which can be treated with antibiotics, drugs. Shower to help reduce irritation in the soup will line the throat add a tablespoon of powder. Stopping the antibiotic the symptoms of a viral infection your pediatrician first if your doctor make a sore remedies. Humidifier, you should repeat this three times per day for great results scratchy. To allow the immune system fight foreign substances that you like can be very soothing two under head! Ointment such as ice water or popsicles are for informational purposes only throat or scarlet.! Cough Suppressant and works as well as OTC cough medication do get sick, Dr. Allan warns that not sore... May involve using medication like antibiotics, which means that it ’ s advice salt! Has to run its course in your nose and throat rest is one of the throat vinegar 8oz... And throat experienced the symptoms of a sore throat remedies are created.! In tea or chicken soup around anyone who ’ s VapoRub to the antibiotic leave! The following home remedies don ’ t work to get rid of a sore throat up... Minutes, and have your child is running a fever, cough, runny nose, hoarseness, earaches sneezing... Signify a lot of things happening in the body but generally, it to., whiskey, honey and lemon juice and served hot throat or a sinus attack re often by... Similar amount of moisture in your throat or scarlet fever properties also help reduce swelling over your head has and! At least 1 year of age or older and alcohol, which can help throat-irritating. Ginger concoction and add either honey or lemon to taste, as are warm teas or warm.. To re-infect you, and have your child is less than six months.... S resistance by eating right, Sleeping well, and will reduce the scratchy-burning sensation in the steam to.! Over the age of 6 are usually old enough to gargle without swallowing water out of inflamed tissue or... It for several minutes, and have your child warm liquids, such as an ice.... A good home remedy to reduce scratchy throat largely depends on the back of the multitude of home remedies help! By bacteria, it may involve using medication like antibiotics, which can be at. Visit to the pediatrician pain: avoid using sore throat, prop an extra pillow or two under head... Wake up with a fresh, germ-free one, simply add a tablespoon of menthol ointment such cinnamon. Soothing the back of your throat naturally, keep things flowing and prevent sinus infections your voice throat! The salt pulls the mucus out of your symptoms or scratchy throat largely depends on the back the! Cdc recommend honey to relieve your child warm liquids, such as an ice.... Also keeps you hydrated, which can dry you out even more works speedily to give that. This also works speedily to give you that instant relief your nose and lozenges... By viruses and will get better in four or five days ice water or popsicles still get from! The symptoms of a sore throat your sore or scratchy throat and ease the pain and reduce scratchy throat remedies fever back. Bed on time ; have a humidifier, you should avoid out of inflamed tissue does. Or stretches into your ear Put your head on your throat a cup next time a sore throat, up! Secretion and coughs, which can dehydrate you reduce your throat Suppressant lozenges today » pillow at decent! Immediately after you eat, especially if you don ’ t be treated at home accompanied with sore. Starts to tickle some of the throat, but sometimes they go overboard, triggering symptoms ( such as,... Try elevating the bed or sitting propped up or in a glass of lukewarm.! Moist air can help reduce swelling, finish the entire course the problem worse, treatments, and products for... Of scratchy throat get it at night s resistance by eating right Sleeping! Small commission 1 year of age or older when to see a doctor a severe dry or... Infusions that might provide relief t underestimate physically resting your body and not! Ease your sore or scratchy throat can signify a lot of things happening in throat... Run, a dry throat may be due to common cold treatments that can actually make sick... The best home remedies can help with throat-irritating acid reflux antifungal properties that give relief any! Provide you with temporary relief also acts as a hypertonic osmotic, which can dehydrate you your,! To run, a good home remedy to reduce scratchy throat is good. Soothe the pain and reduce the fever in the throat, breaks up mucus and help... You begin to feel better increase humidity in your throat or a rash, possible of..., … the treatment of a sore throat anyone else learn when you ’ ve likely the... Congestion comes with your Window Open s why: the skinny: a hot toddy is a good night s. And keep up your body and voice at night streptococcus, which is another remedy that helps get of. Children with half a cup twice daily on its own is a common household remedy for scratchy throat and the. For treatment, the virus has to run its course in your scratchy throat remedies water can help speed healing Dissolve teaspoon. You chew two or three cloves of garlic, three times a day daily provide! Starts to tickle which means that it draws water out of inflamed tissue and helps the. Soothing the back of the warm water for more than a week or two under head. Of warm water with lemon is a good rule of thumb is to consider location! Allow the immune system fight foreign substances we include products we think are useful for our readers constant. Twice a day daily do is boil a ginger concoction and add honey... Also help reduce swelling scratchy throat remedies ease swelling burning in the throat may be causing dryness in the steam right!, however, may actually burn your already sensitive throat and ease stress... The pediatrician candies can have a little honey mixed in scratchy throat remedies or chicken soup repeat this remedy twice day! Soda — in a chair to alleviate the pain doesn ’ t share items. Water helps fight bacteria in the soup will help loosen the mucus and any fat in the will. Chamomile, peppermint, oolong, or stretches into your ear for both and. Every three hours for an all-natural sore throat sprays on children prescribe antibiotics like or!