Drinking plenty of liquids is also advised.
But are hot or cold liquids (or foods) better?
There are pros and cons to consider for each.
Elena Musienko / EyeEm / Getty Images
There are many causes of a sore throat, includingstrep throat(a specific bacterial infection).
But most viral illnesses that cause your throat to be sore won’t require prescription medications.
Elena Musienko / EyeEm / Getty Images
Hot vs.
Both of these help themucous membranesof your throat stay moistwhich can reduce feelings of soreness.
Most of the time, treatments for a sore throat focus on managing the symptoms and relieving the pain.
Over-the-counter medications may help if your healthcare provider has approved them for you.
Warm or cool drinks may also soothe a sore throat.
Consider the pros and cons of hot and cold sore throat treatments.
Many people find cool foods and drinks to be soothing and pleasurable.
you might try experimenting with different flavors and temperatures to determine the most helpful.
Cold: Pros:In general, cold therapy helps blood vessels to narrow (calledvasoconstriction).
It can also reduce pain by numbing sore areas.
Also, you may notice that your sore throat is worse when you first wake up in the morning.
This is because your mouth and throat tend to dry out as you sleep.
However, there are some reasons to be cautious or avoid choosing cold.
Cold tends to decrease blood flow to areas where ice or cold has been applied.
Heat: Pros: Warm or hot treatments can help blood vessels to open up (calledvasodilation).
Like cold treatments, heat is easy to use.
The hot drink helped relieve sore throat symptoms, whereas the same drink at room temperature did not.
Some research has inferred that the heat in warm beverages may kill bacteria, easing a sore throat.
However, this has not been proven.
Honey may even slow the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
When choosing a warm treatment for your sore throat, be sure the temperature is not too hot.
Avoid burning your lips, tongue, and the sensitive tissue in your throat.
Scald injuries (being burned with hot liquid) have been documented during attempts to breathe in steam.
Also, avoid drinking alcohol while you have a sore throat.
Both of these substances can cause your body to become dehydrated.
You may also want to avoid acidic beverages like citrus juice or tomato juice.
These can be harsh and hurt or sting an already irritated throat.
Avoid things that make your sore throat worse.
For example, rough or scratchy foods may further irritate an already sore throat.
Air that is dry or polluted may also make your sore throat worse and should be avoided.
Avoid smoking or quit smoking altogether.
Sore throats are a common reason for people to see their primary care provider.
They make up about 10% of primary care visits.
A sore throat is often a symptom of an infection.
No scientific evidence exists that shows better results from a certain temperature.
Be sure to see a healthcare provider right away if you have concerns or your symptoms get worse.
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