This blog has been reviewed and approved by Dr Robert Lee, a dental professional of 35 years
Do you have a scratchy, painful feeling in your throat, or do you notice that you have a sore throat at night? A sore throat can make swallowing uncomfortable and talking difficult.
Oral-B is here to help you understand what might be causing your sore throat, some of the conditions it can be a symptom of, preventative measures, and useful tips to help soothe your sore throat.
What are the symptoms of sore throat?
Sore throat symptoms can be different for everyone, here are the most commonly associated symptoms when it comes to sore throat:
Scratchy: feels like sandpaper rubbing against your throat with every swallow.
Burning: a hot, uncomfortable sensation in your throat that can worsen with talking or swallowing.
Raw: feels as if the lining of your throat has been scraped or irritated.
Dry: a feeling of scratchiness intensified by a lack of moisture in your throat.
Tender: any touch or movement in your throat causes increased pain and discomfort.
Irritated: a general feeling of irritation or inflammation in your throat.
In some cases, a sore throat may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
Fever: often indicates an infection is present.
Runny or stuffy nose: suggest a cold or allergy could be the culprit.
Cough: can be dry or productive (with mucus), depending on the cause.
Swollen glands in your neck: lymph nodes enlarge to fight off infection.
Loss of voice: in some cases, you could find it hard to speak due to inflammation in the vocal cords.
Difficulty swallowing: severe pain or obstruction, making swallowing very uncomfortable.
What are the causes of sore throat?
Sore throats can stem from various issues:
Infections: viral infections, such as colds and the flu, or bacterial infections, like strep throat, irritate the throat tissues.
Allergies: seasonal allergies can inflame the throat alongside itchy eyes and runny nose.
Dry Air: dry winter air can suck out the moisture from your throat, making it scratchy.
Irritants: smoke, chemicals, and even yelling can irritate the throat.
GERD: stomach acid refluxing into the oesophagus can cause a sore throat, especially at night.
However rarely, a tumour can cause a sore throat, but other symptoms like difficulty swallowing usually accompany this. If you have a sore throat with concerning symptoms, it is important to see your healthcare professional.
How to prevent sore throat?
While you cannot completely eliminate your chance of getting a sore throat, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:
Wash hands often: keep your hands free from bacteria and germs by washing them with soap or alcohol-based hand sanitisers.
Avoid close contact with people who are coughing and sneezing: keep your distance from those coughing and sneezing.
Do not share food or utensils: avoid sharing utensils, drinks, and food with those who have a cough or cold.
Flu vaccination: the annual influenza vaccine offers protection against the flu, a frequent cause of sore throats.
What are the treatments for sore throat?
The best course of treatment for your sore throat depends on the underlying cause.
Treatment by a healthcare provider
A doctor or healthcare provider can diagnose the cause of your sore throat and recommend specific treatments. Here are some possibilities:
Antibiotics: If your sore throat is caused by a bacterial infection, such as strep throat, antibiotics will be prescribed to eliminate the bacteria and alleviate your symptoms.
Antihistamines: If allergies are contributing to your sore throat, over-the-counter antihistamine medications can help reduce inflammation and ease discomfort.
Antacids: For sore throats related to GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), over-the-counter antacids can help neutralise stomach acid and reduce throat irritation.
Home Remedies for sore throat relief
While you wait to see a doctor or alongside prescribed treatments, several home remedies for sore throat can offer soothing relief:
Soothing Lozenges and Candies: sucking on sugar-free throat lozenges or hard candies can promote saliva production, which helps keep your throat moist and lubricated. Opt for sugar-free varieties to prevent dental cavities.
Warm Liquids: drinking warm liquids, such as herbal teas with honey (for adults and children over 1 year old) or soothing broths, can help ease throat discomfort and promote hydration.
Cold Therapy: sucking on ice chips or popsicles can offer temporary numbing relief for a sore throat, which is especially helpful for children.
Humidification: using a cool-mist humidifier or vaporiser adds moisture to the air, which can be an effective sore throat treatment, it soothes a dry, irritated throat, particularly at night while sleeping.
Rest: getting plenty of rest allows your body to focus its energy on fighting off the infection that may be causing your sore throat.
Avoid Irritants: minimise exposure to smoke, dust, and other pollutants that can further irritate your throat.
Remember, these home remedies for sore throat are primarily for comfort and will not necessarily cure the underlying cause of your sore throat. If your symptoms persist for more than a few days or worsen, consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
FAQ
How do I get rid of a sore throat quickly?
Whilst there is no quick fix for sore throat, here are some remedies to try and soothe the symptoms:
Gargle with warm salt water.
Suck on lozenges or hard candies.
Drink warm liquids like tea with honey.
Use a humidifier at night.
Get plenty of rest.
See a doctor if your sore throat worsens or lingers for more than a few days.
Why do I keep getting sore throats?
There are several reasons why you may be experiencing a sore throat at night. These include frequent colds, allergies, or dry air irritating your throat. GERD (acid reflux) or smoking can also cause chronic sore throats.
Why is my throat sore when I swallow?
Inflammation from the sore throat makes swallowing uncomfortable. This pain usually improves as the cause heals.
How long does a viral sore throat last?
Viral sore throats typically last 3-5 days with care, but some may linger for up to a week.
How to soothe a sore throat at night?
There are several things you can do to soothe a sore throat at night, including:
Use a humidifier for cool mist.
Prop yourself up with pillows to prevent postnasal drip.
Gargle with warm salt water before bed.
Suck on lozenges (if appropriate for your age).
Drink a warm beverage before bed.
See a doctor if it is severe or disrupts sleep.
