A sore throat is one of the most common and intensely painful symptoms experienced during a COVID-19 infection. The viral presence in the upper respiratory tract causes significant inflammation, leading to a raw, scratchy, and sometimes debilitating feeling. Finding relief is a high priority for many people. Fortunately, a combination of simple home practices and readily available medications can manage the pain and ease discomfort throughout the illness.
Physical and Home-Based Soothing Methods
Maintaining high levels of hydration is a fundamental strategy for managing sore throat pain, as it helps thin mucus and keeps the throat tissues moist. Warm liquids such as herbal tea with honey or simple broths can provide a soothing sensation that temporarily coats the irritated lining. Conversely, cold therapy, including sucking on ice chips or frozen popsicles, acts like a localized cold compress to numb the nerve endings and reduce discomfort.
Gargling with a simple saltwater solution provides therapeutic benefits by addressing inflammation. The hypertonic saline solution draws excess fluid out of swollen throat tissues, which reduces pain and cleans the area. Mix about a half-teaspoon of salt into eight ounces of warm water, gargle in the back of the throat for 15 to 30 seconds, and then spit it out. This process can be repeated several times a day for sustained relief.
Using a cool-mist humidifier or spending time in a steamy environment, such as a closed bathroom with a hot shower running, introduces moisture into the air. This humidity helps prevent the throat from drying out, which often exacerbates the pain. Sucking on non-medicated lozenges or hard candies offers relief by stimulating saliva production. Increased saliva flow acts as a natural lubricant, coating the throat and temporarily easing scratchiness.
Over-the-Counter Medication for Pain Relief
For persistent or severe pain, over-the-counter medications offer systemic and topical options. Systemic pain relievers, taken orally, work throughout the body to target pain and inflammation. The two main types are acetaminophen (like Tylenol) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (like Advil or Motrin) or naproxen (like Aleve).
NSAIDs are helpful for a sore throat because they not only reduce pain but also combat the inflammation causing swelling and irritation. Acetaminophen primarily reduces fever and pain but lacks the same anti-inflammatory effect. When choosing a systemic option, follow the package directions precisely and never exceed the maximum daily dosage.
Topical treatments, like medicated lozenges and throat sprays, offer rapid, localized numbing. Many contain active ingredients that function as local anesthetics, such as benzocaine or phenol. These compounds temporarily block pain signals from nerve endings, providing immediate but short-lived relief from the sharp pain of swallowing.
Other medicated lozenges may contain antiseptic ingredients like amylmetacresol or 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol, which offer symptomatic relief. Because these topical treatments are not absorbed systemically, they can often be used safely with oral pain relievers. However, avoid using too many topical anesthetics, as excessive use can sometimes irritate the tissues.
Identifying Warning Signs and When to Seek Care
While most COVID-related sore throats are manageable at home, certain symptoms require immediate medical attention. Any difficulty breathing or shortness of breath is a serious warning sign that demands emergency care. This includes any sensation of chest pressure or persistent pain that does not resolve quickly.
Difficulty swallowing liquids or saliva is a significant concern, as it indicates severe swelling or obstruction and risks dehydration. Other emergency indicators include neurological changes, such as new confusion, inability to wake up, or difficulty staying awake. A change in skin color, appearing pale, gray, or blue around the lips or nail beds, signifies a lack of oxygen and requires urgent medical intervention.
If the sore throat pain worsens dramatically or lasts for more than five to seven days without improvement, contact a healthcare provider. Worsening or persistent symptoms may indicate the infection is progressing or that a secondary issue, like a bacterial infection, is developing. Consulting a doctor ensures proper evaluation and guidance on additional treatment, such as prescription antivirals or antibiotics.