Can You "Catch" a Sore Throat Through Kissing?Yes, pharyngitis (viral and bacterial) is contagious, and can be transmitted from one person to another. Mucus (nasal discharge and saliva) can contain the viruses and/or bacteria that can cause sore throat. Consequently, even kissing can cause transfer of these contagious organisms. Show
Sage/echinacea throat sprayA 2009 study showed an echinacea/sage throat spray was as effective as a spray using typical numbing agents chlorhexidine/lidocaine to relieve throat pain and scratchiness.
Apple cider vinegar
Vinegar is acidic and can kill bacteria in the throat, and also coat and soothe a sore throat. It may also loosen phlegm that may be irritating the throat.
Raw garlicGarlic has antiseptic properties, which can help if you have a bacterial infection, and it may help relieve sore throat pain.
QUESTIONWhich illness is known as a viral upper respiratory tract infection? See AnswerThroat Coat teaThroat Coat is an herbal tea sold to provide sore throat relief.
Peppermint essential oilOnce again, this is not the candy but the plant. The main component of peppermint is menthol, which acts as a decongestant by thinning mucus.
Health NewsLicoriceSorry kids, not the candy, but the herb. A 2009 study in the journal Anesthesia & Analgesia found a licorice gargle helped reduce postoperative sore throat pain.
Marshmallow rootThis also is not the confection, but the herb. Like slippery elm, marshmallow root is a demulcent, and marshmallow root can soothe a sore throat by coating the irritated tissues of the throat.
Slippery elmAlso known as Indian elm, moose elm, and sweet elm, slippery elm is believed to help coat the throat. It is considered a demulcent, which means it can help relieve irritation of the mucous membranes in the mouth by forming a protective film.
SLIDESHOWA Cold or The Flu? How to Tell the Difference See SlideshowFrozen foodsEating frozen foods such as popsicles or sorbet can help alleviate sore throat symptoms.
HoneyHoney may be added to hot water or tea and lemon juice to help sooth a sore throat.
Eat chicken soupGrandma was right on this one! It's warm and helps moisten the throat.
Subscribe to MedicineNet's General Health NewsletterBy clicking Submit, I agree to the MedicineNet's Terms & Conditions & Privacy Policy and understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet's subscriptions at any time. Warm saltwater gargleRinse the mouth with a warm saltwater gargle (1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water) and then spit it out. Don't swallow the salt, and don't use too much salt, as this could further dry out the sensitive throat membranes. Gargling with salt water is an easy and economical way to help cleanse the throat and loosen phlegm.
Cayenne pepper gargleThis home remedy has become popular recently. Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Drink warm liquids
FromSuck on ice chipsSucking on ice chips can help cool the throat, easing pain and inflammation.
AcupunctureAcupuncture may help relieve sore throat pain; however, studies have shown mixed results. Practitioners claim there is a "sore throat" acupuncture point found on the hand that can provide fast relief from sore throat pain. Before using any herbal or alternative natural remedies, consult your doctor as some supplements can interact with prescription medications. Ask your child's pediatrician what home remedies and natural remedies are effective for babies and toddlers, and women who are pregnant should talk to their obstetricians about the best choices to use during pregnancy. Zinc lozengesStudies have shown that zinc lozenges may shorten the duration of a cold, and may reduce the severity of cold symptoms including sore throat.
Drink plenty of fluidsStay hydrated! When you are sick with a sore throat, staying hydrated can help ease congestion, thin mucus secretions, and keep the throat moist.
RestSleep is important in the recovery process.
Lozenges or cough dropsSuck on lozenges or cough drops to keep the throat moist. Some brands have topical anesthetics, which will ease throat pain at least temporarily and last longer than sprays.
Hard candyLike lozenges or cough drops, hard candies can help because they stimulate the production of saliva and help keep the throat moist and lubricated, which can ease the soreness from a dry sore throat.
Throat sprayUse throat sprays with an anesthetic to help relieve symptoms fast.
A humidifierUse a humidifier to moisten dry air and keep your throat moist, or lean over the sink with hot running water and drape a towel over your head, and inhale.
A warm mist humidifier heats the water inside the unit and releases steam into the air. This type of humidifier is helpful in cold weather, and because it uses boiling water, it can help kill airborne bacteria. A cool-mist humidifier can help cool the room and is a good option if you have children or pets, so there is no risk of accidental burns. A warm compressUse a warm compress on the neck. Keeping the throat warm may help soothe tender lymph nodes.
Quit smoking
If you smoke, there are plenty of reasons to quit, including easing a sore throat. Inhaling smoke from cigarettes, cigars, or pipes can cause a dry, irritated, and swollen throat, in addition to a cough, which can also irritate the throat.
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications for sore throat painOTC pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) can help relieve the pain and inflammation caused by a sore throat.
Medically Reviewed on 3/10/2022 References Agarwal, A., et al. "An Evaluation of the Efficacy of Licorice Gargle for Attenuating Postoperative Sore Throat: A Prospective, Randomized, Single-Blind Study." Anesthesia and Analgesia 109.1 July 2009: 77-81. American Osteopathic Association. "Sore Throat? Know When to Call the Doctor." <http://www.osteopathic.org/osteopathic-health/about-your-health/health-conditions-library/general-health/Pages/sore-throat.aspx>. Drutz, J.E. "Sore throat in children and adolescents: Symptomatic treatment." UpToDate. Sept. 16, 2016. <http://www.uptodate.com/contents/sore-throat-in-children-and-adolescents-symptomatic-treatment?source=search_result&search=chicken+soup&selectedTitle=4~150>. Johnston, C.S., et al. "Vinegar: Medicinal Uses and Antiglycemic Effect." MedGenMed 8.2 (2006): 61. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1785201/>. Linus Pauling Institute OSU. "Garlic and Organosulfur Compounds." <http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/food-beverages/garlic>. Stead, W. "Patient education: Sore throat in adults (Beyond the Basics)." May 31, 2016. <http://www.uptodate.com/contents/sore-throat-in-adults-beyond-the-basics>. University of Maryland Medical Center. "Licorice." <http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/licorice>. University of Maryland Medical Center. "Marshmallow Root." <http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/marshmallow>. University of Maryland Medical Center. "Peppermint." 6 July 2014. <http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/peppermint>. University of Maryland Medical Center. "Silppery Elm." 6 July 2014. <http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/slippery-elm>. Does apple cider vinegar cure sore throat?Sip on one cup of warm water mixed with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and a tablespoon of honey. Both apple cider vinegar and honey have antibacterial properties that may help soothe a sore throat.
What is the quickest way to get rid of a sore throat?Lifestyle and home remedies. Rest. Get plenty of sleep. ... . Drink fluids. Fluids keep the throat moist and prevent dehydration. ... . Try comforting foods and beverage. ... . Gargle with saltwater. ... . Humidify the air. ... . Consider lozenges or hard candy. ... . Avoid irritants. ... . Stay at home until you're no longer sick.. What happens if you drink apple cider vinegar with a sore throat?Apple cider vinegar has antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties, which can help in treating sore throat caused by bacterial infections suggested a study published in the journal, Natural Product Research in 2018.
How long should I gargle apple cider vinegar?Gargle. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of ACV and salt to warm water. Gargle for 20 to 30 seconds two to three times a day for sore throat relief.
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