For fastest sore throat relief, use medicated throat sprays (like Chloraseptic Max with phenol) or lozenges (Cepacol with benzocaine) for numbing, or take OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for inflammation, but remember these treat symptoms, not the cause; antibiotics are needed for bacterial infections like strep throat and work fastest when taken early. Warm saltwater gargles and honey/lemon tea also offer quick soothing relief by keeping the throat moist.
Use the following to ease the symptoms of a sore throat:
Paracetamol and ibuprofen, these pain killers are great at reducing sore throat pain and also reducing a fever. To keep sore throat symptoms at a minimum it's best to take a dose at regular intervals as directed by your pharmacist or on the medication packet.
To soothe a child's sore throat, offer plenty of fluids, soft foods like yogurt or soup, and cold treats like popsicles, while using pain relievers like children's ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed (never aspirin for kids). For older kids (over 4), salt water gargles and lozenges help, and honey (over age 1) can soothe, but always ensure hydration, rest, and avoid smoke irritants, seeing a doctor for severe symptoms.
For a pregnancy-safe sore throat, focus on hydration, rest, and home remedies like gargling with warm salt water, sipping honey and lemon tea, and using lozenges with local anesthetics (like benzocaine) or antiseptics (like menthol). Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) are generally safe, but always consult your doctor before taking any medication, avoiding NSAIDs like ibuprofen and decongestants in the first trimester.
Strepsils are not generally thought to be harmful to take when you're pregnant but, as there have been no specific, large-scale studies into the safety of Strepsils in pregnancy, you may prefer to treat a sore throat by gargling with salty water, sucking an ice cube or drinking hot lemon and honey.
How to sleep with sore throats
There are many common viruses that cause pharyngitis, including rhinovirus, adenovirus, coronavirus ( COVID ) and flu ( influenza virus). A sore throat can also be caused by allergens like pollen, dust and food, or sometimes bacterial infections.
Soothing throat drops like Vicks VapoDrops, temporarily relieve your impulse to cough, help soothe your sore throat, and bring welcome relief. Throat lozenges stimulate production of saliva and mucus, which is important for maintaining lubrication and protecting the delicate membranes of the throat.
Eat soft foods with added moisture (see list of foods to try on page 2). o Add sauces or gravies to meat, poultry, potatoes, pasta, and vegetables. o Add syrup, jelly, jam, soft tub margarine, butter or milk to bread, pancakes, waffles, and hot cereals.
To help soothe a sore throat:
Stage 1 of a sore throat, often the start of a cold or flu, involves early symptoms like a tickle, scratchiness, or mild pain in the throat, possibly with sneezing, usually appearing 1-3 days after infection, and can be managed with rest, fluids, saltwater gargles, and OTC pain relievers, but see a doctor if it's severe, lasts over a week, or comes with a high fever or trouble breathing.
Most sore throats related to a viral infection go away within three to 10 days. If your sore throat lasts longer than this, it may be a symptom of a condition that requires prescription medications or other treatments your healthcare provider can recommend.
Gargling with salt water: Salt water may decrease inflammation and make swallowing less painful. Mix 8 ounces (oz) of warm water with 1 teaspoon (tsp) of salt and gargle this solution several times a day. Sipping warm drinks: Warm drinks, such as herbal tea, may help decrease pain.
Tea with Lemon
They have anti-inflammatory compounds, and chamomile will help you fall into a peaceful sleep, making it the perfect night time drink when you're sick. Peppermint tea will soothe your throat with numbing properties, and adding lemon will provide needed Vitamin C to help boost your immune system.
Salt water or baking soda gargle
Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt — or baking soda — in a glass of warm water. Gargle (but don't swallow) the mixture every three hours for an all-natural sore throat remedy. Salt water can help reduce swelling and soreness. Baking soda also soothes the throat and may help break up mucus.
June 26, 2025 – The new COVID-19 variant that now makes up about a third of U.S. COVID cases has a signature symptom: a painful sore throat that feels like "razor blades." "This 'razor blade sore throat' was reported as a common symptom in China," where the variant first emerged in May, said Matthew S.
A viral sore throat often comes with cold symptoms like a cough, runny nose, and hoarseness, while a bacterial one (strep throat) usually hits suddenly with severe pain, high fever, no cough, and white spots/pus on tonsils, but only a doctor's test (strep test) can confirm, as symptoms overlap and look similar.
Viruses, like those that cause colds or flu, are the most common cause of sore throat. These viruses are not strep throat. Sore throat can be a symptom of strep throat, the common cold, allergies or other upper respiratory tract illness.
Causes of a Worsened Sore Throat at Night
As the evening progresses and we turn on heaters or air conditioners, the moisture levels in our surroundings drop significantly. This can lead to dryness in the throat, exacerbating any existing irritation and causing discomfort, especially when swallowing.
What are the worst foods for a sore throat?
Sleep With Your Head Elevated
Elevating the head while sleeping may help relieve congestion. View Source that contributes to throat pain from excess mucus drainage. When lying down, nasal congestion may become worse, primarily because of changes in blood flow.