Struggling With a Sore Throat? Here’s What You Need to Know

Whether it’s caused by seasonal allergies, a viral infection, dry air, or postnasal drip, sore throats are one of the most common symptoms people experience throughout the year. At ENT & Allergy Associates, our board-certified otolaryngologists and allergists are here to help you understand why your throat hurts—and what to do about it.

Common Causes of a Sore Throat

Before diving into remedies, it's important to understand the underlying causes of a sore throat. These include:

Viral infections (like the common cold, flu, or COVID-19)
Bacterial infections (such as strep throat)
Allergies (including seasonal pollen and dust mites)
Postnasal drip
Dry indoor air
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Smoking or exposure to irritants
Overuse of the voice

Identifying the root cause is the first step to finding the right sore throat treatment.

Fast and Effective Sore Throat Remedies

Here are some doctor-recommended sore throat remedies that can help ease your discomfort and support healing:

1. Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of fluids helps keep your throat moist and reduces inflammation. Try:

Warm teas with honey and lemon
Broth-based soups
Room temperature water (cold water can irritate some sore throats)

2. Use a Humidifier

Dry air—especially in the winter—can make a sore throat worse. Running a humidifier adds moisture to the air and soothes dry throat symptoms.

3. Gargle With Salt Water

A classic home remedy for sore throats, gargling with warm salt water helps reduce swelling and kills bacteria. Mix ½ teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds, 2–3 times per day.

4. Try Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications

Throat lozenges and sprays can provide temporary relief
Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen help reduce inflammation
Decongestants can relieve postnasal drip that may be causing your sore throat

5. Avoid Irritants

Smoke, strong cleaning products, and allergens can all worsen a sore throat. If you’re dealing with allergy-induced throat irritation, consult an allergist at ENT & Allergy Associates to develop a customized allergy treatment plan.

6. Rest Your Voice

If your sore throat is caused by overuse or vocal strain, give your vocal cords a break. Speak softly, avoid yelling, and stay hydrated to allow healing.

7. Eat Soothing Foods

Certain foods can help coat and calm your throat, such as:

Warm oatmeal
Soft fruits like bananas or applesauce
Ice cream or popsicles (especially for kids with sore throats)
Herbal teas with slippery elm or marshmallow root (both have throat-soothing properties)

When to See a Specialist for a Sore Throat

If your sore throat symptoms last more than a few days, worsen, or are accompanied by a high fever, rash, or difficulty swallowing, it’s time to consult an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) doctor.

At ENT & Allergy Associates, our team of highly trained otolaryngologists and allergy specialists can determine the exact cause of your sore throat and recommend targeted treatment—whether it’s antibiotics for strep throat, allergy testing, or reflux management.

Specialized Sore Throat Treatment at ENT & Allergy Associates

We treat all types of sore throat issues, including:

Chronic sore throat
Recurrent tonsillitis
Throat pain from GERD
Allergy-related throat irritation
Voice and swallowing disorders

With over 60 locations across New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania our expert physicians are ready to help you feel better, faster.

Book an Appointment Today

Don’t let a sore throat linger. Schedule an appointment with a trusted ENT specialist at ENT & Allergy Associates to receive expert care and lasting relief.

Find a location near you: https://www.entandallergy.com/locations/
Book Online: https://www.entandallergy.com/book-an-appointment/
Call to book: 1-855-ENTA-DOC

ENT & Allergy Associates (ENTA) is the premier otolaryngology and allergy practice in the region, offering comprehensive care in Adult and Pediatric Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT), Allergy, Asthma, Audiology, Sleep Medicine, Balance Disorders, Voice and Swallowing Disorders, Sinus and Skull Base Surgery, Thyroid and Parathyroid Disorders, Head and Neck Surgery, Facial Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery, and Hearing Aids.

With convenient office locations throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, ENT & Allergy Associates is proud to provide expert, compassionate care in:

New Jersey – Bergen, Camden, Burlington, Monmouth, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, Somerset Counties, and more.
New York – The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island, Queens, Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk Counties), and Westchester County.
Pennsylvania – Bucks County, Montgomery County, and Philadelphia County.

Whether you're seeking relief from seasonal allergies, expert surgical consultation, or help managing chronic ENT conditions, our board-certified physicians and specialized care teams are here to help.

Find a convenient ENT & Allergy Associates location near you using our location search tool or call today to schedule an appointment.