By Nina Hauptman

Stuck with a red, irritated throat? If so, you're probably more than eager to take care of it quickly. 

A scratchy, irritated, painful throat makes doing everyday things like eating and speaking just about unbearable. The good news is that sore throats are treatable, and there are a variety of ways to help ease your pain. From prescriptions to over-the-counter remedies to natural solutions, there are a plethora of options for treating the misery of a sore throat.

One of the problems with a sore throat is that it can be difficult to determine the cause on your own. Viral infections, bacterial infections, or irritants such as smoke or allergens can all be potential sore throat catalysts.

If you feel a sore throat coming on, the best course of action is to head for your family doctor's office. If you do have an infection, it is important to get it treated right away. You also want to be sure that you don't spread any illness to others. If you have an infection, your doctor will tell you what you need to do. She/he may even prescribe you a pain reliever if your symptoms are severe enough.

If your doctor puts you on antibiotics, be sure to finish every pill in your prescription so that all of the bacteria is killed. Failing to do this can result in antibiotic-resistant strains that will be impossible to treat with the same medication.

You have two nonprescription options here. You can either use an over-the-counter medication, or try a natural remedy. Whichever you choose is up to you, and both types of treatments have been found effective.

OTC Medications
If you opt to head for the local drug store, the following products or ingredients have been shown to ease symptoms of sore throats:

• Acetaminophen
• Ibuprofen
• Aspirin
• Naproxen
• Lozenges
• Throat Sprays

Natural Remedies
If you prefer to go natural, try some of these remedies:

• Salt water gargle (1 tsp with 1 cup water)
• Hot tea or water with lemon and honey
• Turmeric gargle (1 cup hot water with 1/2 tsp turmeric and 1/2 tsp salt)
• Apple cider vinegar (mix with equal amount of honey)
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Frozen fruit bars

It's nice to relieve the pain of a sore throat, but ultimately you want to cure it altogether. Drink lots of liquids, and make sure you get proper bed rest. Avoid smoke, pollution or known allergens as much as possible. Take in soothing foods, such as ice cream and warm soups. Get plenty of antioxidants, such as Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Selenium. Also, you should refrain from any strenuous exercise until you feel better. The heavy breathing required can further irritate your throat, and the energy spent can inhibit healing. Use common sense, and take good care of yourself so that you can heal. The better care you take of yourself, the sooner you will be feeling normal again.

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before using the information presented here.