Cold liquids or popsicles can numb the pain. Throat sprays and over-the-counter pain relievers can help, too. Use a humidifier or vaporizer, especially when sleeping, to keep air from getting too dry.
Drink extra-cold liquids.
Those first few swallows may not be pleasant. But just as icing a sprained ankle can dull the pain and prevent swelling, drinking icy liquids can both numb your throat and calm some of the inflammation that's causing you pain, Dr. Finkelston says.
Cold drinks – Alternatively, some people find comfort with ice water, popsicles or other cold beverages that numb the throat. Chloraseptic sprays – Over-the-counter throat sprays also have numbing agents and provide temporary pain relief through an oral anesthetic.
Peppermint tea contains anti-inflammatory compounds and is very soothing to the throat. The mint may also slightly numb the throat, thereby relieving pain ( 23 ). Peppermint tea is caffeine-free, and its naturally sweet taste often requires no additional sweetener.
Cold fluids such as ice pops or ice cubes can help numb the pain. If hot liquids feel better, reach for broth or tea — chamomile and peppermint tea have anti-inflammatory properties.
Some help by lessening inflammation. Others help by temporarily numbing the throat. Many cough and cold medications come with a pain reliever or numbing agent for this reason. Three commonly used OTC medicines for sore throat include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and aspirin.
Because COVID-19 is an illness caused by a virus, a COVID-19 sore throat may look and feel like other viral sore throats. One clue that you have viral pharyngitis is that it is often accompanied by other common symptoms.
A throat spray is an effective way to manage the pain of strep throat. Throat sprays may contain compounds that numb the throat or anti-inflammatory ingredients that reduce pain and swelling. It's important to ensure that you follow the directions on the spray bottle and don't exceed the recommended dosage.
Lidocaine for mouth and throat Brand names: Bonjela, Anbesol, Iglu, Calgel, Covonia.
Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus. Tiny red spots on the area at the back of the roof of the mouth (soft or hard palate) Swollen, tender lymph nodes in your neck. Fever.
Staying hydrated: When the throat becomes dry, it can hurt more. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommend keeping a sore throat moist by drinking plenty of fluid or sucking on lozenges. Humidity: Dry air can make sore throats feel worse. Using a humidifier to keep the air moist can provide some relief.
Some people describe COVID sore throat as the most painful sore throat they've ever experienced. Others report a sore throat that isn't too different from one caused by a regular cold. Other COVID sore throat symptoms people notice include: Pain when swallowing or talking.
Gargling with salt water can help keep a person's mouth clean and may alleviate pain and discomfort from sore throats, mouth sores, and dental procedures. Saltwater gargles are quick and easy to make and are a cheap and natural alternative to medicated mouthwashes.
Drinks like herbal tea, warm water with lemon and honey, and clear broth all help soothe a sore throat and open nasal passages before bed so your symptoms won't keep you awake. In addition to avoiding caffeine, avoid any substances containing alcohol or nicotine, as both substances are known to disrupt sleep.
Common causes
tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils) – you may also have red or spotty tonsils, discomfort when swallowing and a fever. strep throat (a bacterial throat infection) – you may also have swollen glands in your neck, discomfort when swallowing and tonsillitis.
Vicks family of cold and flu products offers soothing sore throat relief with ingredients that alleviate pain, break up congestion, and quell the coughing that often accompanies sore throat. Many over-the-counter cold and flu medicines treat multiple symptoms.
Ice cream with its coldness can work as an anesthetic to soothe inflammation and give your temporary relief. Just remember choose plain flavored ice cream such as vanilla or chocolate.
Ice cream contains ingredients that can help soothe and cool the inflamed tissues of your throat, reducing the pain. The coldness also numbs the delicate tissues, providing temporary relief from discomfort.
To use Chloraseptic Cherry spray in the mouth, spray directly into the mouth or throat. Leave the medicine in place for 15 seconds, then spit it out. Avoid swallowing the spray. To use Chloraseptic Cherry as a mouth rinse, gargle or swish the liquid for 15 seconds, then spit it out.
Chloraseptic is the #1 Doctor and Pharmacist Recommended Sore Throat Spray. With Chloraseptic Sore Throat Sprays, you get fast, targeted relief that numbs on contact. Chloraseptic sprays come in flavors like Cherry, Warming Honey Lemon and Menthol.
Difflam Spray works by stopping pain and swelling (inflammation). It is used to treat many painful conditions of the mouth or throat including: • Mouth ulcers • Teething • Sore throat • Sore tongue or gums • Discomfort associated with dentures or dental work. If any of these apply, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Strep throat typically resolves in three to five days if untreated. Despite the short duration, antibiotic treatment is recommended to reduce the risk of complications. Symptoms typically resolve within one to three days following the start of antibiotics.
You should get a COVID-19 test if: You have new symptoms such as fatigue, headache, body/muscle aches, cough, fever, sore throat, and/or congestion. You have symptoms and are at high risk for severe illness because of other medical conditions, age, or have a compromised immune system.
Excess mucus in the throat can lead to itching, irritation, and soreness. Postnasal drip typically increases when a person is lying down. As a result, a sore throat may worsen at night or first thing in the morning. Exposure to certain allergens at night may also worsen postnasal drip and sore throat.
Strep throat is an infection caused by a specific type of bacteria, Streptococcus. When your child has a strep throat, the tonsils are usually very inflamed, and the inflammation may affect the surrounding part of the throat as well. Tonsillitis is inflammation (swelling) of the tonsils.