Does your throat hurt? If you have a sore throat, no one has to tell you that you don’t feel good. You are probably rubbing the outside of your throat and swallowing kind of hard. You may even feel a little feverish or just plain tired. Sore throats are truly no fun. Fortunately, they don’t last very long and are very treatable.

A sore throat can be caused by either a viral or bacterial infection. A sore throat is most commonly caused by a cold, which is a viral infection. Other viral infection causes include laryngitis and mononucleosis. A bacterial infection that causes a sore throat might be strep throat or tonsillitis. Each of these has other symptoms that may help you and your physician determine if you have that particular infection.

Sore throats can also be caused by many things that are considered irritants.

• Air pollution can play a part in your coming down with a sore throat.
• Allergies can cause a sore throat too. So can low humidity.
• Yelling may also be the cause of your sore throat.
• Smoking is also known to cause a sore throat.
• Postnasal drip can also cause a sort throat.
• Stomach acid that comes up into your throat (which may also be a symptom of GERD) can cause a sore throat.

The treatment of your sore throat will naturally depend on the source from which it originates. A viral sore throat will not respond to antibiotics and it may expose you to antibiotic side effects. A sore throat that involves an irritant will most likely involve you removing the source of the irritant (smoking, pollution, stop yelling) and also soothing your throat for several days or a week until you feel better. Talk to your physician about your sore throat to help determine the source for the best course of treatment.

One of the best natural remedies for your sore throat is to permit your body to rest. When your body is sick it is sending you a message to slow down and to take care of yourself. Taking care of yourself for a day or two may help your sore throat feel much better.

Gargling warm salt water can also be helpful for your sore throat. Add a half teaspoon to one cup of warm water. Do this about every four hours.

Drink lots of hot (warm) liquids to soothe your throat. Tea or soup are excellent choices. Stay away from caffeinated beverages as these may keep you awake and prevent you from getting the rest that you truly need at this time. Ask a friend or family member to pick up several types of teas (caffeine free!) that sound delicious and just keep drinking them. Remember to make sure the liquids are comfortably warm and not hot so they could burn your throat.

It is important to consider consulting your physician when you have a sore throat, because a sore throat can be a sign of another illness — as mentioned above. Be sure to keep in mind every other symptom that you have had recently while including your sore throat to help properly diagnose your possible illness or infection.

Rest and lots of hot (warm) liquids are always helpful when it comes to helping to soothe your sore throat. Be sure to take good care of yourself when you are run down, as some who get minor infections do not stop to heal and then wind up with even more serious infections. Stopping to heal yourself from something minor is much easier and preferable. So bundle up and get a nice cup of hot tea and let’s hope that sore throat feels better!

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