A sore throat is one of the most common complaints associated with recent COVID-19 variants, often presenting with an unusual intensity described as sharp or burning pain when swallowing. This intense discomfort is frequently one of the earliest symptoms to appear and can persist for several days, often feeling significantly worse than a typical viral sore throat. The focus of care is primarily on relieving this localized inflammation and pain to allow for rest, adequate hydration, and recovery. Understanding the available strategies, from simple home measures to pharmaceutical relief, can provide immediate comfort during the illness.
Non-Medicinal Comfort Measures
A time-tested strategy for soothing an irritated throat involves gargling with warm salt water. This simple saline solution works due to osmosis, drawing excess fluid out of inflamed tissues, which helps reduce swelling and pain. The gargling action also helps loosen and clear thick mucus, removing irritants from the throat lining.
For effective relief, dissolve one-half to one teaspoon of salt into eight ounces of warm water and gargle for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. Repeating this process two to four times a day can provide consistent relief. This practice has also been associated with reduced symptom duration in some studies.
Maintaining high fluid intake is important, as dehydration worsens throat dryness and pain. Warm liquids, such as herbal teas, decaffeinated broth, or warm water mixed with honey, can coat the throat and provide temporary relief. Honey has demonstrated an ability to relieve throat pain in adults.
Sucking on ice chips or frozen fruit pops can offer a localized numbing effect that calms nerve endings in the throat. Avoid acidic beverages like citrus juices or highly spiced foods, which can further irritate the sensitive mucosal lining. Introducing moisture using a cool-mist humidifier can also relieve a dry, scratchy throat and ease associated coughing.
The added moisture from the humidifier helps to hydrate the nasal and throat passages, thinning out mucus and reducing inflammation in the airways. If a humidifier is not available, sitting in a steamy bathroom for several minutes can achieve a similar effect. Ensuring adequate rest allows the body to dedicate its resources to fighting the viral infection, which is necessary for resolving the throat pain.
Over-the-Counter Relief Options
Pharmaceutical relief focuses on both local numbing and systemic pain reduction. Over-the-counter (OTC) systemic pain relievers are effective for managing severe throat pain. These medications work throughout the body to reduce the perception of pain originating from inflamed throat tissues.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, provide a dual benefit by relieving pain and reducing inflammation that causes swelling. Since the severe sore throat is driven by the body’s inflammatory response, NSAIDs are frequently recommended. Acetaminophen functions solely as a pain reliever and fever reducer without the anti-inflammatory component.
Both ibuprofen and acetaminophen manage throat pain for several hours, but strictly follow dosing instructions. Localized treatments, such as medicated lozenges and throat sprays, offer temporary relief by acting directly on the throat surface. Lozenges stimulate saliva production, while some contain active ingredients like menthol for cooling or benzocaine for a temporary topical anesthetic effect.
Menthol works by triggering cold receptors in the throat, creating a cooling, analgesic sensation that distracts from the pain. Benzocaine and phenol are mild anesthetics that temporarily block pain signals from the nerve endings in the throat lining. When using throat sprays, the numbing effect is brief, and the product should be used sparingly according to the manufacturer’s directions to avoid exceeding the recommended dosage.
Managing Systemic Symptoms
Throat discomfort is often worsened by accompanying COVID-19 symptoms. Nasal congestion and a runny nose are common, forcing mouth breathing, especially during sleep. Mouth breathing bypasses the nose’s natural humidification, leading to a dried-out and irritated throat lining.
Using a decongestant nasal spray or oral decongestant helps clear nasal passages, encouraging normal breathing and reducing dryness. If a cough is present, a cough suppressant minimizes the mechanical irritation caused by repeated coughing against sensitive throat tissues.
Fever and widespread body aches are systemic symptoms that contribute to overall discomfort. Managing these symptoms with appropriate pain relief, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, reduces fever and improves generalized aches, making the persistent throat pain more tolerable. Adequate rest is a prerequisite for the body’s immune system to function optimally, aiding in clearing the infection and resolving the associated symptoms.
Recognizing When Professional Care is Needed
While most COVID-19 sore throats are managed with home care and OTC remedies, certain signs indicate the need for prompt medical evaluation. The inability to swallow liquids, including saliva, is a serious concern indicating a high risk of dehydration or potential airway compromise. Severe throat pain that rapidly worsens or is accompanied by drooling suggests a more serious infection or complication.
Immediate medical attention is required for difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or persistent chest pain, as these signal progression into the lower respiratory tract. A very high fever that does not respond to medication, or symptoms that fail to improve after several days, should prompt a call to a healthcare provider. Seek professional guidance if symptoms are not resolving within a week, or if you belong to a high-risk group for severe illness.