Sore Throat Remedies: What Works and What Doesn’t?

Hoarseness is a common problem, in which the voice of the throat changes. When hoarseness occurs, the throat becomes dry and problems like itching and burning start occurring in the throat. The main cause of hoarseness is cold or sinus infection. These problems get cured automatically within two weeks.

To check the cause of hoarseness, the patient's past medical information is taken and their physical examination is done. To prevent hoarseness, doctors advise to quit smoking, not to eat food that causes stomach irritation (acidity), consume hot beverages and give rest to your voice for a few days. To treat hoarseness, the problems that cause it are identified and treated. Apart from this, keeping the throat clean, treating any specific problem related to the throat separately and voice therapy etc. can also be included in the treatment of hoarseness.

If hoarseness is not treated, it can lead to serious throat infection. Apart from this, hoarseness also causes problems like loss of voice and cough with phlegm.

(Read more - Healing a Sore Throat: Simple Ingredients)

In most cases, a sore throat does not require medical attention and can be relieved with simple home remedies. Here are some effective ways to ease throat discomfort:

• Avoid speaking too much to allow your vocal cords to heal. If your job requires talking, try to take a break or speak softly without straining your throat. 
• Keeping the air moist in your home or office can prevent throat dryness. 
• Stay away from smoke, dust, and other allergens that can worsen throat irritation. 
• If you smoke, try to stop or at least avoid smoking until your throat recovers. Also, stay away from secondhand smoke, as it can worsen the condition. 
• Mix a pinch of salt in warm water and gargle 3-4 times a day. Ensure the salt is completely dissolved, as undissolved grains can further irritate the throat. 
• Taking a hot shower or inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water can help keep the throat moist and reduce irritation. 
• Drink plenty of water to keep your throat moist and prevent dehydration.
• Ginger is beneficial for throat problems. You can add it to juice, tea, or simply chew a small piece for relief.
   
• Alcohol dries out the throat and can worsen hoarseness. Refrain from drinking until your throat heals. 
• If your sore throat is caused by GERD or allergies, appropriate medications may help. However, consult your doctor before taking any medicine. 
• Warm drinks like tea or soup help clear mucus and soothe the throat. However, limit caffeine intake as it can dry out the throat.
• Excessive coughing or trying to clear your throat can worsen irritation. 
• Avoid speaking too loudly or too softly, as both can put strain on your throat. 
• These can dry out your throat further and make the problem worse. 

By following these simple tips, you can ease discomfort and help your throat heal faster.

(Read more - Home Remedies for Sore Throat)

The problem of sore throat usually gets cured on its own in some time and there is no need to go to the doctor for it. It is common to have throat pain, dry cough and tickling in the back of the throat, but definitely go to your doctor in the following situations -

• Blood in the cough. 
• Pain in swallowing food.
• High fever or fever is not getting cured. 
• Difficulty in breathing. 

(Read more - First aid for throat pain)

Hoarseness is a common issue that can occur due to excessive talking, throat infections, cold foods and drinks, or allergies. It causes the voice to become heavy or weak, making speaking difficult. Other symptoms may include throat swelling, soreness, and irritation. To relieve this condition, drink warm water, gargle with salt water, and consume ginger with honey. Avoid excessive talking and refrain from consuming cold items. If the hoarseness persists for a long time or the pain worsens, consult a doctor.