Authored by Kristian Keefer in Diseases
Published on 02-03-2009

A sore throat is not pleasant for a child or an adult. Sore throats frequently accompany a cold or the flu. Strep throat is often another common culprit of sore throats, particularly in children. Even allergies that irritate the throat can create a painful experience when eating and swallowing. Although there are no surefire ways to cure a sore throat, there are some remedies you can use to soothe the pain and discomfort.

More often than not, you will need to let a sore throat run its course. A sore throat is often a symptom of a cold. You can take steps to treat your cold, which can in turn help to ease your sore throat. Try to drink as much as possible in terms of hydrating fluids. It is not fun to swallow with a sore throat, but staying hydrated with a cold or flu is necessary. Take some extra time to rest if at all possible. If you cannot take off from work or school, take it easy in the evenings and on the weekend. Catch some extra sleep whenever it is feasible. .

Teas and hot chocolate can coat your throat and make swallowing and eating less painful. The warmth from the beverages can lessen the pain you feel with your sore throat. Drinking tea is the best option. You should add honey and lemon to your tea for their added soothing properties.

Drink raspberry tea while you have a sore throat. Some people drink the tea and others use it to gargle. Both methods can help your throat to heal and can make you more comfortable until the sore throat is totally cured. Ginger tea is another popular option for people who want to try flavors of tea that will be gentle on the throat while also helping to lesson the illness.

Cough drops can ease a sore throat. Flavored hard candy can help as well. This option does not work well for small children, however. Sucking on a nice cool popsicle might not cure a sore throat but it can certainly help make it feel better.

Take Tylenol or ibuprofen to help ease a sore throat. These over-the-counter pain medications will help to reduce inflammation as well. If you are not feeling up to eating much, try some hot soups to soothe your throat and help you to stay nourished.

It is possible to have allergens that cause sore throats. If you are experiencing frequent sore throats, talk to your physician. They can help you to identify any potential allergies so that you can attempt to avoid those allergens. If you suffer from general allergies or sinuses, use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home.

Do not smoke. Smoking can cause serious health risks, not to mention resulting in frequent sore throats. If you do smoke, try to avoid smoking until your sore throat disappears.

Even if you cannot totally cure your sore throat, the common remedies above can help you to feel better until nature takes it course. If you suspect that you have strep throat or a more serious condition other than a common cold, consult with your doctor.