A sore throat isn’t fun – itching, scratching and burning. If you do come down with a sore throat, keep reading to find out at-home remedies for a typical sore throat to make yourself feel better – without immediately running to your doctor.
Symptoms of a sore throat
A sore throat can make you feel miserable, as it can affect eating and drinking, talking and even sleep. The symptoms of a sore throat can vary depending on what caused it, and generally speaking, might include:
- painful throat, especially when swallowing
- dry, scratchy throat
- swollen neck glands
- redness in the back of your mouth
Ways to treat a sore throat yourself
If you are down with a sore throat, you can find relief without immediately running to your doctor at home. Here are some at-home remedies to help soothe a miserable sore throat and shorten how long it lasts.
- gargle with warm, salty water
- drink plenty of water
- use a humidifier
- eat cool or soft foods
- try throat lozenges and sprays
- take over-the-counter medications
See a doctor if your sore throat doesn’t seem to go away or have any of the following severe symptoms:
- difficulty swallowing or breathing
- difficulty opening your mouth
- joint pain
- earache
- rash
Over-the-Counter Medications for Sore Throat from Watsons
UPHAMOL
500 Relieves Pain and Fever Tablets
To relieve pain due to flu and colds and to reduce fever. Gentle and kind to the stomach.
BETADINE Sore Throat Spray
This on-the-go spray contains an active ingredient, povidone-iodine, that helps kill germs quickly to prevent infections.
STREPSILS Honey Lemon
It contains a combination of two effective antiseptics (2, 4-Dichlorobenzyl alcohol 1.2mg, Amylmetacresol 0.6mg) to relieve the discomfort of sore throats.
DIFFLAM AB Sore Throat Lozenges Lemon
It contains active ingredients to relieve pain due to sore, inflamed throat and other inflammatory conditions in the mouth and throat. Sugar Free. Suitable for people with diabetes.
