My doctor tells me I have the biggest tonsils she has ever seen. When I was young, I thought that was very cool, but I didn’t realize it came with an increase in the frequency of sore throats compared to those with “normal” sized tonsils. While these may be inconvenient, it has given me a unique perspective to write about what works for me whenever I have symptoms of a sore throat, as I’ve tried almost everything! From home remedies to over-the-counter pain relievers, here are some tried and tested ways to soothe a sore throat.
What is a sore throat?
But first, what exactly is a sore throat? A sore throat, also known as pharyngitis, happens when the throat becomes red, swollen, and hurts, especially while swallowing. It occurs due to inflammation in the back of the throat, called the pharynx. Sore throats are a common issue that many experience due to many things, from the common cold to singing too much at karaoke.
Who is most likely to get a sore throat?
Children often experience sore throats, particularly during the winter months. In most cases, sore throats are the result of viral infections such as the common cold, flu, COVID-19, and glandular fever, but can also come from bacterial infections, and it’s important to distinguish between these, because the treatments are different..
A sore throat can be caused by bacterial infections such as strep (Streptococcus A) throat or conditions like tonsillitis, which occurs when the tonsils become swollen due to an infection. It can also result from post-nasal drip, where mucus from the nose or sinuses flows down the back of the throat. Other factors like breathing through the mouth while sleeping, exposure to dry air or irritants such as cigarette smoke, and allergic reactions can also contribute to throat discomfort.
The signs of a sore throat can vary depending on the cause. Older children might complain about throat pain, while younger children may show signs like refusing to eat or crying during feeding. Parents might notice visible symptoms such as redness in the throat, white patches, streaks of pus, or unusually swollen tonsils. A child with a viral infection might also experience a runny nose, cough, fever, or fatigue. If the sore throat is caused by strep, other symptoms may include swollen neck glands, red and swollen tonsils, a rash, fever, stomach pain, or vomiting.
What symptoms are related to a sore throat? 
A sore throat is when the throat feels painful or scratchy, and it might get worse when swallowing or talking. Swallowing can be difficult, and the throat may appear red with white spots or pus. If a sore throat is caused by a common cold virus, other symptoms might include a runny nose, coughing, a fever, and feeling very tired. Children with a sore throat might eat less than usual. If the sore throat is due to a strep infection caused by streptococcus pyogenes (strep A), additional symptoms could include swollen glands or lymph nodes in the neck, red and swollen tonsils, a rash, fever, stomach pain, or vomiting.
What are the main causes of a sore throat?
A sore throat is usually caused by a virus, like the common cold, the flu, COVID-19, or glandular fever. Bacterial infections are less common and only account for about one-third of cases. When bacteria cause a sore throat, the person may feel especially sick. A sore throat can also happen because of swollen tonsils, mouth sores, or allergies.
How is the cause of a sore throat diagnosed?
If someone has a sore throat and is concerned about the symptoms, they should visit a doctor. The doctor will examine the throat using a light and check the neck for swollen lymph nodes. They might also take a throat swab to identify the cause of the infection, which could be tested for different viruses or bacteria.
Sore throat remedies
A sore throat caused by a virus usually goes away within seven days without needing treatment. In the meantime, here are some remedies to try to ease the pain and make those seven days more bearable.
Warm water with honey and lemon
Honey is a popular home remedy for soothing a sore throat. People often add it to tea or take it by itself. Studies have shown that honey can be better at reducing nighttime coughing than regular cough medicine. Other research also shows that honey helps wounds heal faster, which might make it useful for healing sore throats, too. Honey is something I always have on hand for a sore throat. Just make sure it is a good quality pure/raw honey and not highly processed supermarket honey. As for the lemon, it does contain vitamin C, which can be useful for healing and also for supporting the immune system.
Take over-the-counter or prescription medications
Pain relievers can very effectively help reduce the discomfort of a sore throat. Tylenol, Nurofen, and Cartia/Micropirin (forms of aspirin) are all possible OTC options. If the sore throat is caused by a bacterial infection, a visit to the doctor may be necessary in order to get a prescription for medications like antibiotics. Other OTC options like lozenges or throat gargles with local anesthetic can help.
To differentiate between a bacterial (like strep throat) and viral sore throat, look for symptoms like a sudden onset, high fever, painful swallowing, and red, swollen tonsils with white patches as these are more indicative of bacterial infections, while a cough, runny nose, or hoarseness suggests a viral cause.
Bacterial throat symptoms:
- Sudden onset of sore throat
- Painful swallowing
- Fever (often high)
- Red, swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
- Swollen, tender lymph nodes in the neck
- Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth
- May have nausea or stomach ache
- Absence of cough or runny nose is a key indicator
Treatment by antibiotics is usually necessary. It’s important to get to a doctor and start the course of treatment if the fever and pain don’t clear up within 48 hours. The most common antibiotics are penicillin-based, such as Augmentin, or, if allergic to penicillin, a mycin-based antibiotic, such as Zithromax.
Viral throat symptoms:
- Gradual onset of sore throat
- Painful swallowing
- Fever (less severe than bacterial)
- Cough, runny nose, and/or hoarseness are common
- May have a scratchy or tickle in the throat
- Tonsils may be red and swollen but without pus or white patches
The most common cause is a virus like the common cold or flu. Viral infections typically resolve on their own, and treatment with antibiotics is not indicated.
Gargle with warm salt water
Gargling with warm salt water is a simple way to ease a sore throat and clear out mucus. It can also kill bacteria in the throat. To make the solution, mix half a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water. Gargling this mixture can reduce swelling and keep the throat clean. For the best results, it’s recommended to do this every three hours.
Sip on pineapple juice
Pineapple contains a substance called bromelain, which has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. Drinking fresh pineapple juice made from pineapple core can help ease a sore throat by reducing inflammation. Sipping on cold juice itself can also provide relief to a sore throat. Bottled or canned pineapple juices may not have the same effect due to heating processes destroying the bromelain.
Eat chicken soup
Chicken soup is an age-old remedy for sore throats associated with the common cold. And there is some scientific backing as to why it works. The hot steam from the soup can help to soothe irritated throat tissues, while the ingredients in chicken soup, such as chicken, onions, garlic, and carrots, contain vitamins and minerals that may boost immune function and fight infection. Chicken soup made with bone broth increases the amount of nutrients in the dish. Plus, the warm broth can also help to keep the throat and body hydrated, which is essential for it to heal as quickly as possible.
Drink baking soda
Gargling with salt water is a popular choice, but mixing baking soda with salt water can also help soothe a sore throat. This mixture works by killing bacteria and stopping yeast and fungi from growing. For sore throats due to mouth sores, the National Cancer Institute suggests mixing one cup of warm water with a quarter teaspoon of baking soda and an eighth teaspoon of salt to create a rinse. They advise gargling and swishing it gently around the mouth every three hours or as needed.
Boost the immune system with supplements 
While nutritional supplements may not provide instant relief from a sore throat, they can reduce its frequency and possibly duration. A good immune support supplement, such as the Immune Pack, can help keep the immune system strong enough to fight off sore throat-causing bacteria and viruses before they have a chance to take hold.
Drink marshmallow root or licorice root tea
Marshmallow root has a substance that can help soothe a sore throat by coating it. To use it, you can make tea by steeping dried marshmallow root in a cup of boiling water. Drinking the tea two or three times a day may reduce throat pain.
Licorice root has been used for years to help with sore throats. Studies now show that mixing it with water to make a gargle can be effective. However, experts warn that pregnant and breastfeeding women should stay away from this remedy, as should people on blood pressure medication as it may have a blood pressure lowering effect.
For babies and young children, a cool mist or humidifier can be added to a child’s room to ease the discomfort of a sore throat by increasing moisture in the air. It’s also important to keep the child hydrated by encouraging them to drink plenty of fluids, while avoiding citrus-heavy juices or popsicles. For safety, children under five years old should not be given hard candy, cough drops, or anything that could be a choking hazard, and extra care should be taken with cough drops for kids younger than 10 years old. Honey should never be given to children under one year of age.
FAQs
What not to drink with a sore throat?
During recovery, it’s a good idea to skip alcoholic drinks. Instead, focus on drinking water or tea. Too much dairy can also make mucus thicker, which might worsen post-nasal drip and irritate a sore throat even more.
Is cold water good for a sore throat?
Some people find that warm drinks help ease a sore throat, but for others, cold options work better by numbing the pain. Things like popsicles, ice chips, or cold drinks can provide relief. These options not only soothe discomfort but also help keep the body hydrated.
Should you swallow phlegm or spit it out?
Swallowing phlegm after coughing it up is not harmful, though some individuals may experience discomfort or a sensation of it being stuck in their throat, which can trigger further coughing.
Why does my sore throat get worse at night?
Too much mucus in the throat can cause itching and irritation. Postnasal drip, which is when mucus drips from the nasal cavity into the throat, tends to get worse when someone lies down, which is why a sore throat often feels worse at night or early in the morning.
How fast can a sore throat go away?
Most viral sore throats clear up on their own in seven to ten days. However, if a sore throat lasts longer than that or is accompanied by a fever of 103 F (39.5 C) or higher, a persistent hoarse voice, or white pus nodules on the back of the throat, see a doctor as soon as possible.
