Sore throats are caused by many things such as bacteria infections like strep, viruses such as colds, allergies and pollutants that we breathe in on a daily basis. Symptoms of a sore throat include redness and soreness; sometimes the throat becomes swollen with white pus pockets. Most sore throats aren’t severe and can be treated at home. If the symptoms worsen and treatment at home isn’t working, then a check-up with a physician is necessary.
Warm Salt Water
Gargling with warm salt water helps to soothe and clear the throat of any kind of mucus. Fill a glass with warm water and stir 1/2 tsp. of salt into the warm water until it has dissolved. Gargle with the mixture making sure it reaches the back of the throat until it is empty. Repeat the process ever 3 to 4 hours.
Honey and Lemon
Honey and lemon also alleviate the pain of a sore throat. Add 1 tbsp. of honey and 1 tbsp. of lemon juice to a glass of very hot water and stir. Drink the mixture when the mixture cools to warm. Honey soothes and coats the throat, while the lemon helps clear mucus that has formed on the back of the throat.
Antibiotics
Sometimes sore throats become so severe that antibiotics are used to treat it. Bacterial infections, such as strep, do not clear up on their own and are contagious. Strep throat symptoms are a red, swollen throat with white pus pockets on the back of the throat often accompanied with a fever and body aches. If you experience these symptoms, then see a doctor. The doctor will swab the throat to make sure it is strep and prescribe the proper antibiotic to take. Take all of the medication, even after you feel better, to prevent the strep from coming back. Usually, within 24 hours of beginning an antibiotic treatment, you feel better and are no longer contagious and can resume going back to work or school.
Humidifier
Sore throats often leave the throat feeling dry and scratchy, especially during the winter months when the air is dry. Add moisture to your home using a humidifier. Humidifiers help with irritation of the throat by moistening and breaking up mucus that can cause the throat to become irritated. You may also add three drops of eucalyptus oil to a humidifier. Eucalyptus vapors help soothe a sore throat and open airways.