A sore throat is a common symptom of COVID-19, caused by inflammation as the virus attacks the upper respiratory tract. This irritation can range from a scratchy, dry sensation to severe discomfort that makes swallowing painful. The primary objective of managing this symptom is to reduce local inflammation and pain, allowing for better rest, hydration, and recovery.
At-Home Comfort Measures
Maintaining high levels of hydration is a fundamental strategy to soothe throat irritation and help the body fight off the infection. Drinking fluids helps to keep the mucous membranes moist and can thin mucus, which prevents irritation caused by post-nasal drip. Warm liquids like herbal teas, decaffeinated broth, or warm water with honey can be particularly comforting, while cold options such as ice chips or popsicles act as a localized anesthetic to numb the inflamed tissue.
Gargling with warm salt water provides cleansing and helps draw excess fluid out of inflamed tissues. A typical mixture involves dissolving about a half-teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water, which should be gargled several times daily. This process can reduce swelling and flush away irritants and viral particles from the throat lining.
Introducing moisture into the air helps prevent the throat from drying out, especially during sleep. Running a cool-mist humidifier or inhaling steam from a hot shower can moisten the airways and soothe the irritated throat. Resting the voice by avoiding excessive talking, whispering, or yelling is important, as strain can exacerbate tissue inflammation.
Over-the-Counter Relief Options
Pharmacological treatments provide systemic relief and address pain and inflammation more directly than home remedies. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, work by blocking enzymes that produce prostaglandins, which drive pain, fever, and inflammation. NSAIDs offer both analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory effects.
Acetaminophen, another common systemic pain reliever, operates differently, primarily by acting on the central nervous system to elevate the pain threshold. Unlike NSAIDs, acetaminophen has minimal anti-inflammatory properties, but it is effective at reducing fever and pain associated with the sore throat. The choice between these options should be guided by any existing health conditions and careful adherence to the recommended dosage instructions.
For more immediate, localized relief, topical treatments are available in the form of medicated lozenges and throat sprays. Lozenges often contain ingredients like menthol, which creates a cooling sensation that temporarily masks the pain. Sprays may contain local anesthetics, such as benzocaine, which temporarily numb the nerve endings in the throat tissue, offering fast-acting, though short-lived, pain relief directly at the source of irritation.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While most sore throats from COVID-19 can be managed effectively with home care and over-the-counter medications, certain warning signs indicate the need for professional evaluation. A severe or worsening sore throat that makes it extremely difficult or impossible to swallow liquids can quickly lead to dehydration and requires medical consultation.
Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or persistent pain or pressure in the chest are signs that warrant emergency medical attention. A high fever that remains elevated for more than three days or does not respond to pain-reducing medication should prompt a call to a healthcare provider.
It is also important to contact a physician if the sore throat or other symptoms persist or worsen beyond seven days. For individuals at higher risk of severe illness, such as those with underlying health conditions or who are aged 65 and older, a healthcare provider can determine eligibility for specific COVID-19 treatments, including antiviral medications.