Sore, Scratchy Throat? Try These Soothing tips

Whether it’s a result of giving a long-winded speech or presentation or a sign of an impending cold or virus, sore throats can really cramp your style and sap your productivity. With a little tender loving care, however, that tickle in your neck can be coaxed into complacency. Here are a few old and new tricks for taming a sore throat before it turns into a full-blown illness.

Keep it moist.

Drink 8-10 cups of clear, non-caffeinated liquids during the day, and consider using a humidifier if your sleeping quarters are persistently dry.

Try a soothing saltwater gargle.

For a sore throat that stems from voice overuse, gargle one-quarter teaspoon of table salt in one-half cup of water, taking care not to swallow.

Avoid second-hand smoke.

If you have a sensitive throat, even a whiff of cigarettes can inflame the tissue enough to cause discomfort.

Steer clear of allergens.

Sore throats can be a warning sign that allergy season is on its way. If your sore throats tend to be seasonal, an over-the-counter antihistamine might help.

Try hot tea with a touch of honey.

OK, so this treatment might be mostly psychological, but if it works, it works!

These commonsense remedies are great to have in your repertoire if low-grade sore throats are a frequent problem for you. However, if your symptoms worsen or persist, or if you develop a fever, ditch the self-care tactics and head to the doctor.