Health Tip: Soothing a Sore Throat

By
Diana Kohnle
March 24, 2008, 1:04 AM ET
1 min read

Mar. 23 -- (HealthDay News) -- A sore throat can be caused by many factors, including allergies, tonsillitis or the common cold.

Try following these suggestions from the American Academy of Family Physicians on how to help a sore throat:

  • Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like aspirin, naproxen or ibuprofen.
  • Gargle a few times daily with a warm salt water solution, created with one teaspoon of salt in a glass of water.
  • Suck on hard candies or throat lozenges throughout the day to keep the throat moist.
  • Eat a frozen dessert, such as a popsicle or ice cream, to soothe the throat.
  • In the less humid months of winter, keep a humidifier going in the bedroom while you sleep, and in other rooms you frequent during the day.
  • Drink plenty of fluids.