Q26. Can you treat a sore throat at home?

A26. Yes. In most cases a sore throat will disappear without the need for any treatment or by adopting a few home based remedies.

These include plenty of cold drinks, ice cream, juices and fruit smoothies. If you prefer have soups instead.

Choose foods which are soft and easily to digest.

Over the counter medicine such as paracetamol and ibuprofen are useful at easing the pain of a sore throat as well as lowering a temperature. Ask your chemist for advice.

Even the good old fashioned facial steam bath in which you inhale the vapours can soothe a sore throat.

These and others are discussed in more detail in our treatment for sore throat section.

FAQS Index : Sore throat FAQ

Sore throat FAQs

1. What does the throat consist of?
2. What does the throat do?
3. What is the larynx?
4. What are the tonsils?
5. How do the vocal cords work?
6. What enables us to speak?
7. Why do we get a sore throat?
8. Can you treat a sore throat with antibiotics?
9. Why does my child get lots of sore throats?
10. What is diphtheria?
11. What is croup?
12. What is quinsy?
13. What is acid reflux?
14. What is strep throat?
15. What is the difference between a viral throat infection and a bacterial throat infection?

16. Why do children have frequent episodes of tonsillitis?
17. What are adenoids?
18. Do you need to have your tonsils removed?
19. What are the different types of throat cancer?
20. What causes throat cancer?
21. How is throat cancer treated?
22. Can oral sex damage the throat?
23. What effect does your lifestyle have on your throat?
24. Why are singers prone to throat problems?
25. Why does being overweight affect your throat?
26. Can you treat a sore throat at home?
27. My child has a sore throat; do I need to see my GP?
28. What causes someone to lose their voice?
29. Can you prevent a sore throat?
30. Why is it important to look after your throat?