Sore Throat Treatment: Relieving Pain and Discomfort

If you are experiencing a sore throat, you can try over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen to relieve the pain. Ibuprofen can also reduce inflammation in the throat. Initially, try taking either paracetamol or ibuprofen. If you are still in pain, you can try combining the two (provided you are sixteen or over). Aspirin is another anti-inflammatory instead of ibuprofen, but generally is not recommended for pain relief.

Alongside painkillers, there are also other products that you can try to relieve sore throat pain and discomfort. Lozenges, either medicated (Strepsils or non-medicated (Covonia or Strefen, can provide some benefit to your sore throat pain. They work as a demulcent, forming a soothing coat over the lining of the throat. Medicated lozenges are more effective than non-medicated lozenges and may contain local anaesthetics that numb your throat or antiseptic medications that act against bacteria and viruses in your throat. Throat sprays and rinses can also help relieve sore throat pain and discomfort. Examples include Covonia Throat Spray, Difflam Spray, Difflam Sore Throat Rinse, and Ultra Chloraseptic Anaesthetic Throat Spray. If you prefer using herbal medicines, you could try A. Vogel Echinaforce Sore Throat Spray.

Self-care strategies can also help relieve sore throat pain and discomfort. These include getting plenty of rest, keeping hydrated, gargling with warm, salty water, resting your voice, sucking on ice cubes or ice lollies, and avoiding triggers such as smoking and smoky places. Warm honey and lemon water is a natural remedy you can try as well.

Most sore throats are usually nothing to be concerned about and should get better on their own within a week. However, if you have had a sore throat for longer than a week, your sore throat keeps coming back, you also have a high temperature (above 37.8°C), or you feel hot and shivery, you should make an appointment to see your doctor. In this case, you may have a bacterial infection, and your doctor will recommend an antibiotic if they think your sore throat has a bacterial cause.

If you have a weakened immune system due to medications such as chemotherapy, carbimazole, ciclosporin, clozapine, tacrolimus, or methotrexate, you should promptly speak with your doctor if you develop a sore throat. You are at a higher risk of developing complications as your body is less effective at fighting off an infection. You should also seek urgent medical attention if you have any severe symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or breathing, drooling, or high-pitched and abnormal breathing.

In conclusion, a sore throat can be an uncomfortable and painful condition, but there are various treatment options and self-care strategies that you can try to relieve sore throat pain and discomfort. Remember to always consult your doctor if you have any severe symptoms or concerns about your condition.