Sore Throat
Alternate Names : Burning in the Throat, Pain - Throat, Throat - Sore
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Sore Throat: Home Care & Treatment
Most of sore throats are soon over. In the meantime, the following remedies may help:
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Drink warm liquids. Honey or lemon tea is a time-tested remedy.
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Gargle several times a day with warm salt water. (Mix 1/2 tsp of salt in 1 cup of water.)
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Cold liquids or popsicles help some sore throats.
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Sucking on hard candies or throat lozenges can be very soothing, because it increases saliva production. This is often as effective as more expensive remedies, but should not be used in young children because of the choking risk.
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Use a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifer to moisten and sooth a dry and painful throat.
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Try over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen. Aspirin should be avoided in children (because of the risk of Reye's syndrome).
Antiobiotics are usually NOT wise in the absence of a positive strep test or throat culture.
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