Sore Throat And Cough Remedies For Adults
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Sore Throat and Cough Home Remedies for Adults
Sore throats and coughs are common symptoms of viral and bacterial infections like the cold, flu, strep throat, and bronchitis. While these illnesses often resolve on their own, symptoms like pain, scratchiness, inflammation, and coughing can be uncomfortable. Thankfully, there are many natural remedies and over-the-counter medications that can provide relief from a sore throat and cough at home. This article explores the most effective sore throat and cough home remedies for adults based on evidence and expert recommendations.
What Causes Sore Throats and Coughs in Adults?
Sore throats and coughs have several potential underlying causes in adults [1]:
- Viral infections like the common cold, influenza, mononucleosis, and croup
- Bacterial infections like strep throat and whooping cough
- Allergies and sinus drainage causing postnasal drip
- Dry air irritating the throat
- Smoking cigarettes or vaping
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Voice overuse from yelling or singing
- Throat tumors or abscesses
Viral infections are the most common cause of sore throats and coughs. Bacterial infections like strep throat are less likely in adults than children, but still possible. Allergies, asthma, and GERD can also chronically irritate the throat. Rarely, an unexplained sore throat may indicate an underlying condition like cancer, so it's important to see a doctor if symptoms persist [1].
Salt Water Gargles
Gargling with warm salt water is one of the most effective and recommended home remedies for sore throat pain and cough. Salt helps reduce throat swelling and irritation by drawing out fluid [2,3]. To gargle:
- Mix 1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces warm water
- Gargle the entire glass of salt water for 30 seconds and repeat as needed [3]
- Do this 2-3 times per day until symptoms improve [2]
Studies show salt water gargling provides rapid, temporary sore throat pain relief for adults. It's best to start gargling at the first sign of throat discomfort before a cough sets in [4].
Honey
Honey has natural antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties that can coat and soothe a sore throat. It may also suppress coughs. Research suggests honey is as effective as common cough suppressant ingredients like dextromethorphan [2,3]. To use honey:
- Take 1-2 teaspoons of raw, unprocessed honey and allow it to coat the throat [3]
- Repeat every few hours as needed for cough and throat relief
- Adults should not give honey to children under 1 due to infant botulism risk [3]
In one study, honey improved sore throat symptoms in adults within 12-24 hours. Honey also decreased cough frequency and severity compared to no treatment [5].
Throat Lozenges and Sprays
Over-the-counter throat lozenges, sprays, and anesthetic gels contain active ingredients like phenol, menthol, and benzocaine that provide temporary numbness and pain relief for sore throats. These are available with or without added cough suppressants like dextromethorphan [2,3]. Throat lozenges:
- Soothe throat irritation and control coughs [6]
- Reduce sore throat pain for up to 2 hours after use [6]
- Work best when allowed to dissolve slowly in the mouth
- Should not exceed recommended daily limits
Popular throat lozenge brands like Chloraseptic, Cepacol, Sucrets, and Halls are clinically proven to temporarily numb sore throat pain in adults [7].
Warm Liquids
Drinking warm liquids like tea, broth, and lemon water helps soothe throat irritation. The heat and fluid can temporarily relieve throat pain and loosen mucus, making coughs more productive [2,3]. Good options include:
- Herbal teas with mint, licorice root, or ginger
- Chicken, vegetable, or bone broth
- Lemon water with honey
- Apple cider with cinnamon
- Decaffeinated coffee or tea
Avoid very hot liquids over 140°F, as these may damage throat tissue and worsen pain. Don't drink milk products, as these can increase mucus production [3,8].
Humidifiers
Humidifiers add moisture back into dry indoor air, preventing a sore throat and cough from worsening. Dry air allows viruses and bacteria to thrive while also irritating the throat. Studies show humidification helps [3,9]:
- Soothe cough, throat pain, and respiratory symptoms
- Thin out mucus secretions
- Prevent sore throat and coughs from worsening
Clean humidifiers regularly to prevent mold growth. Aim to keep indoor humidity around 40-50% [9].
Resting Your Voice
Whispering, yelling, and voice overuse from singing can strain the throat and worsen soreness. Resting your voice allows the vocal cords to recover and prevents coughs from voice irritation. To rest your voice:
- Speak as little as possible
- Avoid yelling or whispering
- Don't smoke, as this dries out the vocal cords [3]
- Use other communication methods like writing if you can
- Drink plenty of fluids to keep the throat moist
- Suck on lozenges to coat and soothe the throat [10]
Vocal rest gives your voice box a chance to recover. Even temporary voice rest for a few days can improve laryngitis, chronic coughs, and sore throats.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
For adults, over-the-counter oral analgesics like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) can temporarily reduce sore throat pain and throat inflammation. Follow dosage instructions carefully and don't exceed daily limits [2,3].
While antibiotics are sometimes prescribed for bacterial sore throats, they are not beneficial for viral infections. Only take antibiotics if strep throat is confirmed with a lab test [2].
When to See a Doctor
Contact your doctor if sore throat and cough symptoms [1,3]:
- Last longer than 1-2 weeks in adults
- Worsen instead of improving
- Make it difficult to eat, drink, or sleep
- Occur frequently or chronically
- Are accompanied by high fever, chills, trouble breathing or swallowing
Seeking medical care is recommended if you are at high risk for complications, have exposure to COVID-19, or need symptom relief. Your doctor can perform exams and testing to diagnose the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.
The Bottom Line
Viral and bacterial throat infections are common culprits behind sore throats and coughs in adults. While uncomfortable, symptoms often resolve on their own within 1-2 weeks. In the meantime, gargling warm salt water, sucking on medicated throat lozenges, drinking warm liquids, using humidifiers, resting your voice, and taking over-the-counter analgesics can all help soothe a sore throat and suppress coughing at home. See a doctor if severe pain, difficulty swallowing, or high fever develop to rule out dangerous conditions like strep throat. With supportive self-care and monitoring for worsening symptoms, most adults can manage sore throats and coughs safely at home.
References:
[1] Sore throat in adults. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324619
[2] Natural remedies for sore throat. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/cold-flu/sore-throat-remedies
[3] 10 home remedies for sore throat. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/ss/slideshow-sore-throat-remedies
[4] Aydin Ş, Bildik F, Kılıç S, et al. The effect of sodium bicarbonate solution on pain relief in acute pharyngitis and tonsillitis: a randomized, double-blind controlled trial. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2018;115:221-225.
[5] Oduwole O, Meremikwu MM, Oyo-Ita A, Udoh EE. Honey for acute cough in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;12(12):CD007094.
[6] Eby GA. Zinc lozenges as cure for the common cold--a review and hypothesis.
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