Health Tip: Stop a Sore Throat

(HealthDay News) -- A sore throat can be a side effect of a cold or allergy, or signal something more serious such as strep throat or tonsillitis. A lingering sore throat should be evaluated by a doctor.

Meanwhile, the American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions for how you can help ease sore throat pain:

• Gargle with a warm salt water solution.
• Suck on a throat-soothing lozenge or a hard candy.
• Suck on a Popsicle, or similar frozen dessert.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Run a humidifier.
• Take a pain reliever such as ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: Dec. 29, 2008

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