A sore throat or cold becomes common with a season change. It can lead to throat pain, itchiness or irritation. The pain could get worse when you try to swallow a drink or eat food. Since sore throat is not a serious problem, people tend to ignore it or sit on it until it goes away on its own. But what if we tell you that you can cure it sooner with the help of some natural ways? Keep scrolling to know how to get rid of a sore throat.

HealthShots got in touch with Dr Swapnil Brajpuria, Senior Consultant – ENT at Asian Institue of Medical Sciences, Faridabad, Haryana, to know ways to soothe your sore throat pain.

How to get rid of a sore throat?

Sore throat is the most common condition affecting the people and most common cause of hospital visits, says Dr Brajpuria. He shared a few ways to help you get rid of the problem.

1. Hygiene is important

Maintaining good hygiene is vital to keeping these problems at bay. So, keep washing your hands thoroughly and regularly. Don’t forget to cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing. Also, you should avoid coming in close contact with people suffering from a viral or bacterial infection. You should also avoid sharing food and drinks.

2. Changing some lifestyle habits may help

Another good strategy to get rid of a sore throat is changing your lifestyle habits like avoiding smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke, getting a lot of rest, and drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Staying hydrated will also help you keep your throat moist. You can also use a humidifier or vaporizer.

3. Try some home remedies

While there are plenty of over-the-counter medicines are available to soothe a sore throat, there are some home remedies you can try. Dr Brajpuria recommends “gargling with warm, saltwater, using honey, rinsing your nose and sinuses, taking vitamin C supplements and consuming warm liquids can help ease the discomfort from a sore throat.

Also Read: Burning sensation in your throat? Try these 5 home remedies to heal faster

4. Drink herbal teas

You should drink some herbal teas that may help manage the symptoms of a sore throat but they may not be safe for everyone, says the doctor. Studies have also shown that herbal teas can help you deal with a sore throat. A study published in Biomedicines also found that herbal teas can tackle Streptococcus, the bacteria responsible for strep throat.

5. Don’t ignore the severe symptoms

People with a sore throat should contact their doctor immediately if they experience any symptoms that indicate a more serious disease. Do talk to your doctor if you don’t get better after 10 days of experiencing these symptoms. Don’t ignore the severity of the situation if you experience difficulty in breathing, rash, inability to drink or swallow saliva, difficulty in opening your mouth, or changes in your voice, suggests the expert.

Following these tips may help you soothe sore throat symptoms and get better. However, you should consult your doctor first before trying any home remedies.