Sore Throat Symptoms and Remedies

January 11, 2021

HOW TO TAKE BETTER CARE OF YOUR SORE THROAT PAIN.

When your throat hurts, it’s hard to concentrate on anything else. That scratchy feeling makes it hard to swallow, your voice feels like it’s taking a vacation, and you feel a cough coming on. And while having a sore throat is very common, less than 10% of people actually seek medical attention for their symptoms.

As an adult, you’ve probably had a throat so sore that it affected your entire day. The big problem with sore throats is that they can strike at any time and for various reasons.

DON’T LET SORE THROAT PAIN RUIN YOUR DAY.

If you have a sore throat, you can do many different things at home to help yourself feel better.

– SORE THROAT SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of a sore throat can vary from person to person, depending on the cause. Some signs and symptoms may include:

• Pain or a scratchy sensation in the throat
• Pain that gets worse when swallowing or talking
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Earache and joint pain
• Swollen, red tonsils
• A hoarse or muffled voice

– SIX SORE THROAT REMEDIES

If you have a sore throat and want to try to take care of yourself instead of going to an Urgent Care Clinic, there are several things you can do to treat yourself:

1. REST YOUR VOICE.

If you have a sore throat, chances are pretty good that your voice has already been affected. While you recover, one of the best things you can do is limit how much and how loud you’re speaking until you feel better.

2. DRINK FLUIDS.

When your throat hurts, keeping it moist can give you relief and help you stay hydrated. Try drinking liquids like warm broth, hot tea, or water with honey.

3. GARGLE WITH SALT WATER.

Mom was right – gargling with salt water can help your sore throat feel better. Try a mix of 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of table salt with 4 to 8 ounces of warm water to help soothe a sore throat. Simply gargle the solution and then spit it out.

4. HUMIDIFY THE AIR.

Dry air can make a sore throat feel even worse. Use a cool-air humidifier or sit in a steamy bathroom for several minutes to get rid of the dry air and keep your
throat moist.

5. TRY LOZENGES.

Throat lozenges and menthol drops can soothe a sore throat. Just don’t give them to children age four and younger – they could be a choking risk.

6. AVOID IRRITANTS.

Keep your home free from cigarette smoke and cleaning products that can irritate the throat.

SEEING AN ONLINE DOCTOR FOR SORE THROAT PAIN WILL HELP

Sometimes with a sore throat, the only way to feel better is to see a doctor. Having a virtual visit is a great option to get the care you need from the comfort and safety of home.

MDLIVE is your First Line of Defense when you’re not feeling well. See a doctor as soon as possible instead of waiting days for an appointment or sitting for hours at an Urgent Care Clinic.

Take advantage of all of the benefits MDLIVE has to offer, including:

• EASY SCHEDULING.

In most cases, MDLIVE provides you instant access to board-certified doctors 24/7/365.

• PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS

If MDLIVE doctors believe medication is warranted, they can write a prescription, like antibiotics for a sore throat, and send it directly to the pharmacy of your choice.

• CARE FROM THE COMFORT OF HOME.

With access to reliable virtual care with MDLIVE, you never need to leave home. Instead,
you can lay down comfortably on the couch while you get the care you need from one of our board-certified physicians.

– CONQUER SORE THROAT PAIN

Having a sore throat can be a miserable experience. While you may be tempted to give yourself time to heal on your own, there are many ways to recover faster, like resting your voice and drinking hot liquids. An MDLIVE doctor can also help with expert medical advice and care. With quick treatment, like seeing an online doctor and using our tips, you should be feeling better faster.

Learn more about how MDLIVE can help you feel better faster.