A sore throat can easily ruin your day. After all, it interferes with your body’s basic functions like swallowing and eating. So, if you find yourself waking up with a tickle in the back of your throat, is there a way to relieve it quickly before it can negatively impact your routine?  Here are some easy ways to get rid of a sore throat fast:

Stay Hydrated

A dry, scratchy throat can become sore rather quickly. So, even if it’s painful to swallow, drinking cold liquids can help numb the pain and reduce inflammation. If you get tired of drinking ice water, you can even switch to popsicles for flavorful relief.

Gargle With Salt Water

If you’re wondering how salt water helps a sore throat, we completely understand. After all, salt is gritty. Wouldn’t it just irritate your throat even more? Interestingly enough, salt water can actually reduce swelling, inflammation, and irritation. The key is to dissolve the salt in warm water. This will feel really soothing. It will also help draw infections or irritants to the surface of your throat, where your body can better deal with them.

You Can’t Go Wrong With a Pain Reliever

If you use ibuprofen for headaches or other body aches, you already know it can help soothe pain. Let it do the same for your sore throat! Ibuprofen can help put a stop to the coughing and throat-clearing that prevents your throat from healing, and lozenges and cough drops can also have the same effect.

Try Not to Talk

While this can be difficult, it’s important to speak less when your throat is irritated, especially if your throat is hurting because you screamed too loud at a concert or sporting event. Giving your vocal cords a break can help the hoarseness and soreness subside.

Skip the Citrus

When you have a sore throat, it’s best to avoid highly acidic foods. This is because acid reflux is a common cause of a sore throat. Avoid things like soda, fried foods, and citrus fruits like oranges and lemons.

When to See a Doctor

If you try a multitude of home remedies to no avail, it may be time to see a medical professional for treatment. Call your doctor if you experience:

• Severe, prolonged pain
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Joint pains or earaches
• White patches on your throat
• A fever
• Blood in saliva or phlegm

PhysicianOne Urgent Care Can Help

If you’re looking for fast sore throat relief, call PhysicianOne Urgent Care. We offer prompt, professional medical care with flexible scheduling that will work for your busy life. We also offer virtual visits so you can speak with one of our expert practitioners from the comfort of your home. For more information, contact us today at 860-650-3848.