How To Cure Sore Throats: Don't Fall At The Final Hurdle This Winter

If someone around you is grumbling about feeling under the weather it's no surprise. We might be on the way to spring, but it's still peak season for coughs, colds and sore throats.

A sore throat is usually a symptom of a cold or infection, so it can be caused by a variety of bugs and nasties - and if you're prone you might find it's your body's immune response to everything you pick up.

But whether it's antibiotic-requiring tonsilitis or just part of a grim virus, where time is the only cure, there are some things you can do to reduce the pain of a sore throat. We asked the experts for their advice.

ENT Consultant Andrew McCombe explains that, sadly, sometimes there's just 'no easy fix, just time and patience'. But to make the waiting a little more comfortable he suggests simple painkillers in combination - so paracetamol and an anti-inflammatory (such as ibuprofen), and over-the-counter throat sweets, which 'enourage the production of saliva' and can make all the difference.

GP Dr Mike Smith had some more suggestions:

1. Gargle with one level teaspoon of salt in a tumbler of warm water (don't be tempted to add too much salt, you'll make yourself feel sick with a strong concoction).
2. I would advise using an anaesthetic throat spray which stops the pain while allowing the body’s own defences to deal with the infection.
3. Have a warm watery drink regularly. Apart from its soothing effect, once swallowed the stomach’s natural acid content destroys the germs carried down with it that would otherwise remain and on the throat’s lining membrane.
4. While the above will usually work in a day or two, if the symptoms are severe or continue consult your  pharmacist or doctor.

To avoid a sore throat as best you can, McCombe suggests:

1. Don't smoke. This is the one thing that is consistently associated with throat problems.
2. Lose some weight. Being overweight is associated with gastro-oesophageal reflux and snoring, both of which are known to lead to sore throats.
3. Sleep with a window open, even in winter. This is supposed to reduce the risk of upper-respiratory infections.
4. Tonsillectomy. If you are prone to tonsillitis, then having your tonsils taken out will prevent this.
5. Avoid crowded, confined places. This is probably the most difficult situation to avoid, and may be slightly unrealistic, but commuting, long haul plane flights etc force people into close proximity with others who may be carrying and spreading infections.

Cupboard essentials:

• Honey - Mix a little with tea or hot water for a soothing drink that keeps membranes moist

• Salt - Add a teaspoon to a tumbler of warm water and gargle to reduce the pain and help fight infection

• Throat sweets such as Lockets or Tunes - These help the production of saliva and keeps you swallowing away the bacteria

• Anaesthetic Throat Spray such as Ultra Chloraseptic Anaesthetic Throat Spray to take away the stinging pain while your immune system does its job

• Garlic - If you prefer the natural approach, chewing garlic gloves is said to reduce pain and inflammation, and they're antibacterial. Stop if it makes you feel sick, though

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