Combatting Sore Throat: Effective Methods to Ease Pain

Combatting Sore Throat: Effective Methods to Ease Pain
Young woman touching painful neck, sore throat for flu, cold and infection. (Ahmet Misirligul/Shutterstock)
Lisa Bian
4/23/2023
Updated:
4/23/2023
0:00

Sore throats are common, with most cases resulting from colds or the flu. Patients can often self-treat their symptoms from the comfort of their own homes.

What steps can be taken to alleviate sore throat discomfort?

1. Gargle with Salt Water Salt water, with its hypertonic properties is a simple and effective way to help reduce the discomfort of a sore throat.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends gargling with salt water as a home remedy to relieve sore throats. 
Lee Jaesung, a Korean doctor, introduced in his Youtube program that he makes a salt water rinse solution by adding 5 grams of salt to 200 ml of water and rinses his mouth 2 to 3 times a day. He suggests swishing the salt water back and forth in the mouth then also to raise the neck and gargle to make the salt water flow back and forth in the throat.
2. Warm drinks In a clinical study published in Rhinology in 2008, 30 subjects with the common cold and flu who consumed hot juice found immediate and long-lasting relief from sore throat as well as relief from the sometimes accompanying symptoms of runny nose, cough, sneezing, chills, and fatigue.

Lee says appropriate warm drinks are water, sweet and sour fruit drinks such as lemonade, papaya tea, and plum tea, or a drink made with vinegar and sugar to suit your taste.

3. Green tea
A study published in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine in 2016 on patients with sore throats after tracheal intubation found that gargling with green tea, a natural and inflammatory substance, significantly relieved the pain of the sore throats.
4. Honey and lemon juice A 2017 report published in the International Journal of Management and Applied Science showed that honey and lemon juice, alone or in combination, showed excellent antibacterial effects against upper respiratory tract infections and even better when mixed.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that honey should only be given to children at least one year or older.
5. Turmeric Turmeric has been a staple food in India for thousands of years and has a long history of treating many ailments. Combining turmeric mixed with salt can be very effective in relieving sore throats. The gargle solution can be made with a pinch or two of both turmeric and salt in warm water.
A 2014 study published in BioMed Research International showed that the curcumin found in turmeric has a wide range of antibacterial and antiviral effects.
6. Keep the throat moist Dr. Lee Young Seob, an ear, nose, and throat specialist in South Korea, told viewers in his YouTube program that in addition to gargling, you should focus on keeping your throat moist for a day or two at the beginning of a sore throat with a cold.

Lee said dryness in the throat could create an environment for viruses and bacteria to thrive. Therefore, it is crucial to consume warm water regularly in small amounts to prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms. It’s essential to maintain the temperature of the water at an optimal level to avoid any irritation to the throat.

Keeping the throat moist while sleeping is equally important. Using a humidifier or placing a damp towel by the pillow can effectively achieve this. Following these simple tips, you can wake up with a comfortable and well-moisturized throat.

How to Prevent Sore Throat?

Avoid drinking coffee or carbonated beverages. These harsh drinks may exacerbate the irritation in the throat and further dry it out, especially during the early stages of the ailment.

Avoid drinking or smoking. One of the disadvantages of drinking alcohol and smoking is that it tends to lower the immune system.

Lisa Bian, B.Med.Sc., is a healthcare professional holding a Bachelor's Degree in Medical Science. With a rich background, she has accrued over three years of hands-on experience as a Traditional Chinese Medicine physician. In addition to her clinical expertise, she serves as an accomplished writer based in Korea, providing valuable contributions to The Epoch Times. Her insightful pieces cover a range of topics, including integrative medicine, Korean society, culture, and international relations.
Related Topics