How to get rid of a sore throat fast
A sore throat can be painful, scratchy and make swallowing hard, but it doesn’t have to interfere with your busy day. Here are some simple ways to soothe it.
Most adults have had more than a few sore throats in the course of everyday life.
They happen when the back of your throat1, called the pharynx, is inflamed – and they’re not fun.
Not only are sore throats common, they can strike at any time of the year and for myriad reasons.
Many are caused by viruses, such as the cold or flu virus2, while some are caused by bacterial infections3, smoking or environmental factors4.
While symptoms vary depending on the cause, there’s no reason to let a sore throat ruin your day.
Here are some easy remedies to fight back and send yours packing:
1. Stay hydrated
Drink lots of liquids, and we’re talking water (or at least non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic beverages), to thin the mucus and keep your throat moist.
Mum was right when she said hot water with a squeeze of lemon and a dollop of honey can soothe, as can soft, nutritious liquids such as soups and broths5.
Sage tea has also traditionally been used for throat inflammations6.
2. Avoid smoking
Smoking makes it hard to eliminate mucus 7, and even breathing in other people’s smoke8 can make your sore throat symptoms worse.
3. Humidify the air
Dry air, whether it is due to the climate you happen to be living in, or your heating, can irritate your throat.
Using a humidifier in your room at night – or even during the day if you sneak a rest – can be soothing (to you and your sore throat)9.
4. Watch the foods you eat
Try to avoid any foods that might exacerbate your sore and scratchy throat.
Instead, foods that are soft and easy to swallow are better options – think yoghurt, soup or ice cream10.
And remember, a diet with plenty of vegetables and fresh fruit can give your immune system the nutrients it needs to work well11.
5. Try Betadine Gargle and Lozenges*
Betadine Ready to Use Sore Throat Gargle is a fast^ and convenient solution when a sore throat strikes, with an anti-bacterial formula that kills the bacteria that may be causing your discomfort.
It’s convenient, ready to use and requires no dilution.
Sucking on a throat lozenge can also be soothing and stimulate the production of saliva to moisten a dry throat12.
Betadine Sore Throat Lozenges contain two antibacterial agents to help relieve sore throat discomfort.
Together, Betadine Ready to Use Sore Throat Gargle and Betadine Sore Throat Lozenges offer a treat and relieve combination for the sore throat – gargle morning and night to help treat, and take lozenges during the day for on-the-go relief.
* This post is brought to you by Betadine. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Betadine is a registered trademark of Mundipharma AG, used under licence. ^In Laboratory studies. MAT-AU-2300749. March 2023.
1https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sore-throat
2https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/sore-throat.html
3Kenealy T. Sore throat. BMJ Clinical Evidence. 2007 Nov 20;2007:1509.
4https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3439613/
5https://uhs.umich.edu/strep#:~:text=Drink%20water%2C%20tea%20(herbal%20or,then%20repeat%20a%%2020few%20times
6https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22194722/
7https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4930664/
8https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3261010/
9https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/humidifiers/art-20048021
10https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sore-throat#:~:text=Try%20eating%20soft%20foods%20such,water%20is%20right%20for%20you
11https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-boost-your-immune-system
12https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/10902-dry-mouth-xerostomia
