If you have a dry, scratchy throat, it could be from many different causes, ranging from dry indoor air to a bacterial or viral infection. Whatever the cause, there are several things you can do to get relief from a sore throat fast. Please keep reading to find out some of the best remedies for a dry, scratchy throat. We will also give you some tips on how to prevent sore throats.

What does it mean if my throat feels scratchy?

A sore throat can be due to various reasons. The most common ones include:

• Dry indoor air 
• Dry climate
• Allergies due to environmental irritants, air pollution, or pet dander
• Exposure to cigarette smoke (both by smoking and secondhand exposure)
• Breathing through your mouth due to nasal congestion
• Inflamed tonsils
• Viral infections like the common cold or flu
• Bacterial infections like streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat)

Treatment for sore throats depends on the cause. For example, dry cough and sore throat caused by dry indoor air may subdue from using a humidifier. On the other hand, you may need to take antibiotics for a common type of sore throat called strep throat. 

What symptoms can accompany sore throats?

The symptoms that accompany a sore throat also vary according to the cause. These can include:

• Pain in the throat
• Scratchy sensation in the throat
• Pain with talking or swallowing
• Hoarse voice
• Difficulty swallowing
• Swollen glands in the jaw or neck
• Redness and swelling of the tonsils
• Pus or white patches on the tonsils
• Fever
• Body aches
• Headache
• Dry cough
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Nausea and vomiting

Does Covid start with a scratchy throat?

Covid may start with a scratchy throat. Surveys had found that nearly 6 out of 10 people reported sore throat as one of their symptoms when they contracted a coronavirus infection. 

A COVID-associated sore throat can cause pain, scratchiness, cough, and difficulty swallowing. There is no real difference between a sore throat due to COVID and other causes. The only way to tell if you have COVID versus something like the common cold or flu is by getting tested for COVID. The severity of the disease can also provide a clue. In general, COVID spreads more easily and has a longer recovery period. 

What kills a sore throat fast overnight?

There is no magic pill that can kill a sore throat fast overnight. Most sore throats get better in about a week. In the meantime, pain relievers like paracetamol (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help you stay comfortable if your main symptom is a painful sore throat. Always read the package insert carefully and take over-the-counter medications according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Do I need antibiotics for a sore throat?

It depends. If your dry, scratchy, sore throat is due to a viral infection, antibiotics will not help. On the other hand, if a bacteria called Streptococcus pyogenes (the most common cause of strep throat) is the culprit, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. 

Your healthcare provider may be unable to tell what type of illness you have based on your symptoms and physical examination alone. They may need to do a strep test (this is a painless test that involves taking a swab from your throat). They may do a Rapid Strep Test in the office or send the sample to the laboratory for testing. It is important to treat any infections caused by Streptococcus bacteria with antibiotics to prevent complications like rheumatic fever and others. 

Which is the best antibiotic for a sore throat caused by bacteria?

The most common antibiotics used to treat strep throat are penicillin and amoxicillin. They are available in pill and liquid form and can be given as shots. 

You should finish out your antibiotic for strep throat even if you start feeling better. Stopping antibiotic treatment too soon or skipping doses can lead to incomplete treatment of your infection. This can cause the infection to come back and become harder to treat.

Do not use antibiotics when they aren’t needed, for example, for a sore throat caused by a virus. Remember, antibiotics are not effective against viruses. Also, they can cause serious side effects, including severe allergic reactions, severe diarrhea called C. diff diarrhea, and antibiotic-resistant infections. 

How do I get rid of a sore throat quickly?

Here are some home remedies that can provide relief from sore throat and other related symptoms like difficulty swallowing, cough, and congestion:

1. Drink plenty of water and stay well hydrated.
2. Gargle with warm salt water.
3. Drink honey and lemon mixed in warm drinks (adults can consider taking a concoction of warm water, honey, and alcoholic beverages like brandy, rum, or whiskey).
4. Mix a few drops of hot sauce in warm water and gargle (this can cause burning at first, but the capsaicin in the hot sauce can help fight inflammation).
5. Drink herbal teas, such as green tea, clove tea, chamomile, peppermint, and others.
6. Suck on lozenges, ice chips, or popsicles.

Use a humidifier or cool mist vaporizer to add moisture to dry air. 

1. Get plenty of rest and sleep.
2. Take over-the-counter medicines for sore throat relief. 

Tips on preventing sore throats

• Practice good hygiene and keep your hands clean.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick with cough and cold symptoms.
• Don’t smoke and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke. 
• Keep indoor air moist, especially in the winter months.
• Support your immune system by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep.

References:

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sore-throat/symptoms-causes/syc-20351635
2. https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/sore-throat.html