HomeAnswersOtolaryngology (E.N.T)sore throat

How to manage a sore throat?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have a sore throat and cough from yesterday. I am taking medicines, but there is no improvement. How to cure this?

Kindly help.

Answered by Dr. Georges Hany Kozah

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Georges Hany Kozah is an experienced Lebanese Gynecologist with an MD from The Lebanese University Faculty of Medical Sciences (2016) and a Fellowship completed in 2022. Specializing in high-risk obstetrics, advanced ultrasound, oncology, colposcopy, and hysteroscopy, he combines expertise with a patient-centered approach. Passionate about women’s health, Dr. Kozah strives for excellence and optimal outcomes in collaborative, innovative care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

It appears you may be experiencing the initial symptoms of a viral throat infection or a common cold. Typically, these symptoms resolve on their own within a few days with adequate rest and self-care. Here are some recommendations:

Home remedies (First two to three Days):

  1. Warm salt water gargles: Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in warm water. Gargle three to four times daily to help alleviate throat inflammation.

  2. Warm fluids: Consume warm water, soups, and herbal teas with honey and ginger. Staying hydrated can soothe your throat and help thin mucus.

  3. Honey (if not diabetic): Take one teaspoon with warm water or herbal tea for natural cough relief.

  4. Steam inhalation: Inhale steam two to three times a day to ease a cough and throat discomfort.

  5. Ensure adequate rest: Your body recovers best when you allow it to rest.

Over-the-Counter Options (if symptoms are bothersome):

  1. Paracetamol (500mg) for pain relief or mild fever.

  2. Cough lozenges or syrups containing honey, tulsi, or menthol.

  3. Antihistamines (such as Cetirizine) if you are experiencing sneezing or nasal congestion.

Consult a Doctor If:

  1. Throat pain worsens after 3 days.

  2. You experience a high fever, pus on your tonsils, or difficulty swallowing.

  3. Your cough becomes productive with yellow or green mucus.

  4. You feel fatigued, have body aches, or experience ear pain.

If you provide more details (e.g., do you have a fever, runny nose, or body aches?), I can offer more tailored advice. For now, focusing on warm fluids, rest, honey, and saltwater gargles is a great starting point.

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At June 12, 2025
Reviewed At July 1, 2025

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Georges Hany Kozah is an experienced Lebanese Gynecologist with an MD from The Lebanese University Faculty of Medical Sciences (2016) and a Fellowship completed in 2022. Specializing in high-risk obstetrics, advanced ultrasound, oncology, colposcopy, and hysteroscopy, he combines expertise with a patient-centered approach. Passionate about women’s health, Dr. Kozah strives for excellence and optimal outcomes in collaborative, innovative care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Georges Hany Kozah is an experienced Lebanese Gynecologist with an MD from The Lebanese University Faculty of Medical Sciences (2016) and a Fellowship completed in 2022. Specializing in high-risk obstetrics, advanced ultrasound, oncology, colposcopy, and hysteroscopy, he combines expertise with a patient-centered approach. Passionate about women’s health, Dr. Kozah strives for excellence and optimal outcomes in collaborative, innovative care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Listen to related tracks in our music library
Comprehensive Second Opinion

Read answers about:

coughitchy throatsore throat

Ask your health query to a doctor online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.