What Kills a Sore Throat Fast?

Sore throat, or pharyngitis, refers to pain, tenderness, or discomfort in the throat.

Sore throat, or pharyngitis, refers to pain, tenderness, or discomfort in the throat. It is most commonly caused by mild viral infections such as the flu or common cold but can also be a result of other health conditions.

A sore throat typically appears with symptoms like cough, runny nose, dry/raspy sensation in the throat and mouth, and a hoarse voice. You may also experience difficulty and pain while swallowing foods or liquids.

Whether your sore throat is caused by a virus, acid reflux, or exposure to smoke, several home remedies can bring you quick relief. So, what kills a sore throat fast? Find out below.

There are many reasons your throat may hurt when you swallow. You could have a viral illness like a cold, mononucleosis, or viral pharyngitis. You may have strep pharyngitis due to Group A Strep (GAS) bacteria. Your throat may hurt if you have post-nasal drip from a sinus infection and you clear your throat a lot.

Other more serious potential causes of painful swallowing include a tonsil abscess and epiglottitis, which is a bacterial infection of the tissue that lies above the vocal cords.

Here are home remedies that can soothe the pain and irritation caused by a sore throat:

1. Saltwater gargles
   • A simple sore throat remedy is gargling with salt water, which can reduce inflammation in the throat and ease symptoms of pain and abrasion. It loosens mucus and brings irritants to the surface of the throat where the body can eliminate them more quickly. Gargling saltwater for a sore throat helps keep the throat clean because saltwater also has antibacterial properties.
   • Mix half a teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of water and gargle every two to three hours.
2. Herbal teas
   • Herbal teas are among the best home remedies for sore throats. Many different types of herbal tea can help relieve the scratchy feeling of a sore throat.
   • Both green tea and clove tea have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can fight off infections.
   • Fruit or flower-based teas such as raspberry and chamomile act as natural lubricants that can soothe the irritation in your throat.
   • Peppermint tea is another great option for a sore throat, as it eases pain by numbing the throat.
3. Honey and lemon
   • Honey in lemon juice is another remedy that can help soothe a sore throat fast. A mixture of lemon juice and honey is packed with natural antibacterial and pain-relieving properties. Honey reduces swelling in the throat while lemon juice breaks up mucus and provides pain relief. Lemon also contains a lot of vitamin C, which boosts your immune system to help wipe out the infection.
   • Add one teaspoon of lemon juice and two tablespoons of honey to tea or hot water and sip.
4. Apple cider vinegar
   • Apple cider vinegar is strongly acidic and is known to have powerful antimicrobial properties. It breaks down the mucus deposited in your throat and prevents the infection from spreading.
   • Mix one to two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in a cup of hot water and gargle.
     • Do not drink the mixture as it may cause digestive problems.
     • Do not use this method if you have a known sensitivity to vinegar.
5. Chicken soup
   • Drinking warm chicken soup can help soothe a sore throat. Chicken soup contains a large number of proteins, antioxidants, and amino acids that help your body fight off infection. It is also high in gelatin which soothes the back of the throat and reduces the pain of swallowing.
   • Chicken broth made with garlic can be especially helpful in treating a sore throat. It keeps the throat hydrated, nourishes the body, and reduces nasal congestion.
6. Ginger root tea or ale
   • Ginger is a common spice that can be used as a sore throat remedy. Ginger is very effective in reducing swelling and congestion in the throat, as it is a natural antihistamine. Ginger has a strong antiviral and antibacterial effect and breaks down excess mucus in the throat.
   • Sip ginger ale made with real ginger or make fresh ginger tea at home.
7. Popsicles or extra-cold drinks
   • Although the first few sips or bites can be painful, a popsicle or an icy liquid can help numb your throat and ease inflammation. It works exactly like an ice pack and that's what helps reduce the swelling in a sore throat. You could also suck on ice cubes or chips for the same effect.
     • Avoid dairy-based ice cream as it can increase mucus production and worsen a sore throat.
8. Humidifiers
   • Dry air is harsh on the lungs and irritates the sore throat. This can increase the pain or tenderness in the throat and extend recovery time. Use a clean humidifier to bring some moisture into your room. This makes the air easier to breathe and helps open up congested sinuses.
   • If your nose is severely stuffed, try inhaling steam from a safe distance or taking a steamy shower.
9. Lymph node massage
   • Lymph node massage is another thing you can try to kill a sore throat fast. Massaging the lymph nodes causes lymphatic drainage that can reduce the infection in the throat. This method is most likely to be effective if your lymph nodes already feel sensitive and tender to the touch.
   • Locate the swollen lymph nodes at the side of the neck and rub them gently in a downward motion. This massage technique improves circulation and helps eliminate toxins from the throat.
10. Throat lozenges or hard candy
    • Over-the-counter (OTC) lozenges can quickly provide temporary relief from soreness in the throat. Sucking on lozenges or hard candy increases saliva production. The saliva lubricates the throat and keeps it from getting dry and scratchy. Most cough drops also contain ingredients like menthol, eucalyptus, and honey that help ease the pain.
      • Lozenges and hard candies are not recommended for young children; they can be a choking hazard.
11. Throat sprays
    • Throat sprays that contain topical anesthetics (e.g., benzocaine, phenol) can be used to help relieve sore throat pain.
12. Pain relievers
    • Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) can help with pain and inflammation.
      • Children under 18 should not be given aspirin due to the risk of a serious illness called Reye's syndrome.

What else kills a sore throat fast at home?

Other things you can do when you have a sore throat to avoid aggravating it include:

• Rest your voice, if a sore throat is caused by yelling or cheering
• Avoid allergens or use antihistamines, if sore throat is caused by allergies
• Don't smoke
• Change your toothbrush
  • Bacteria can accumulate on the bristles which may cause illness

Having a sore throat can be miserable but these simple home remedies are effective against the pain and discomfort. Make sure you get enough rest and drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to speed up recovery. It is not generally necessary to see a doctor for a mild case of sore throat. Get in touch with your healthcare provider if you have swollen tonsils, difficulty breathing, or a fever over 101 degrees in addition to a sore throat.

In addition to herbal tea and ginger ale, other drinks may help a sore throat fast. Staying hydrated will keep your throat moist and help decrease pain. It also helps thin mucus. Aim to drink 8 cups of fluids per day.

• Sip warm beverages (e.g. tea with honey, soup, warm water with lemon)
• Drink really cold beverages
• Water, clear broth, and caffeine-free sports drinks are all good options.
• Compounds in peppermint tea help soothe throat pain and they have antibacterial and antiviral properties.
• Marshmallow root tea has antimicrobial properties and helps coat a sore throat.
• Chamomile tea helps lubricate the throat and it has antimicrobial and antioxidant activity.

How long a sore throat lasts depends on the underlying cause. If your sore throat is caused by a simple cold or the flu, it will last about a week to 10 days. If your sore throat is due to mononucleosis, or mono, it may last for 4 weeks or more.

It is important to know what to avoid when you have a sore throat besides knowing how to soothe a sore throat. If you have a sore throat, you should avoid all things that will cause further irritation.

• Do not eat spicy or acidic foods, as these may irritate your throat.
• Avoid smoking and smoky environments.
• Do not drink very hot liquids as this may contribute to further throat pain.

What is a sore throat a symptom of?

Sore throat is most usually a symptom of the following:

• Common cold
• Flu
• Allergies
• Strep throat
• Bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus
• Viral infections
• Tonsillitis
• Epiglottitis, an infection of the flap over the voice box

A sore throat can also result from non-infectious things like acid reflux or swollen lymph glands. Sore throat symptoms can most often be treated with home remedies, although, some people may require medical attention. Infections such as mononucleosis and COVID-19 also cause sore throats and may need appropriate treatment.

How do I get rid of a sore throat quickly?

You can get rid of a sore throat by following some of the home remedies suggested above, such as saltwater or diluted apple cider vinegar gargle, drinking plenty of warm fluids and water, and sucking on popsicles, lozenges, or hard candies. Use humidifiers to keep the air moist, and try massaging the lymph nodes on the sides of your neck, if they are swollen. Avoid smoking, and drinking or eating anything acidic or hot, or other things that can irritate the throat. Sleep well and rest until symptoms improve.

How to soothe a sore throat

Drinking warm beverages such as herbal teas, honey and lemon juice mixed with warm water, chicken soup, and ginger tea can be soothing for a sore throat. Drinking ice-cold water, or sucking on popsicles or ice chips can relieve pain by numbing the throat. Sucking on cough drops can keep the saliva flowing, and prevent dryness and irritation. Many such lozenges also have soothing ingredients such as menthol and honey that relieve pain.

What kills a sore throat overnight?

Sore throat generally does not go away overnight. Sore throats caused by the common cold or flu may last up to a week or 10 days, but more severe throat infections can last up to a month or longer. See your healthcare provider if you have severe throat pain, if your sore throat does not improve within a few days or worsen, or if your sore throat is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, difficulty swallowing, or blood in saliva or phlegm.

What medicine should you take for a sore throat?

If sucking on cough drops and lozenges does not help, try OTC pain medications such as ibuprofen or throat sprays that contain lidocaine. See a doctor if you don't find adequate pain relief with home remedies and OTC medications. Do not self-medicate with antibiotics, it can give rise to resistant bacteria. Antibiotics should be taken only on prescription from a healthcare provider.