In shortWarm fluids, rest and voice breaks help most sore throats. Hoarseness lasting more than three weeks needs an ENT check.
Teachers, singers, call-centre staff, coaches and parents of small children all share one thing: they depend on their voices. So when the throat turns scratchy, the voice cracks or goes hoarse, it hits hard. Here is an ENT specialist's practical guide to sore throats and voice care, with tips you can use today.
Why does the throat hurt?
The most common cause of a sore throat is a viral infection, often with a cold. Others include strep infection, allergies and post-nasal drip, acid reflux, dry or polluted air, and simply overusing the voice. Most sore throats get better in a few days with simple care.
Soothing a sore throat
- Sip warm water, soups or herbal drinks through the day
- Honey in warm water (not for babies under one year)
- Warm salt-water gargles
- A humid room, or steam inhalation, if it helps
- Rest, and rest the voice
Caring for the voice
Helps your voice
- Drinking water regularly, 6 to 8 glasses a day
- Short voice breaks every hour
- A microphone or speaker in big rooms
- Warm-up before long talking or singing
- Good sleep and posture
Strains your voice
- Shouting or talking over loud noise
- Whispering, which actually strains the cords
- Constant throat clearing
- Smoking, tobacco and very spicy late meals
- Too much caffeine and alcohol, which dry the throat
Hoarseness lasting more than three weeks needs to be looked at by an ENT specialist, especially if you smoke. A quick look at the vocal cords can put your mind at rest.
See a doctor if
You have difficulty swallowing or breathing, drooling, a lump in the neck, blood in the saliva, a high fever with white patches on the tonsils, or a voice change that lasts more than three weeks. Sudden hoarseness with noisy breathing, especially in a child, is an emergency.
See a doctor in HSR Layout, Bangalore
CARE Speciality Clinic offers ENT specialist for throat and voice problems in HSR Layout with Dr. Rekha AR, open Monday to Saturday. Patients come from Agara, Koramangala, BTM Layout, Sarjapur Road, Bellandur and Haralur. Book online or call 96320 71178.
Book appointment Learn more about our care
Consultant ENT Specialist, MBBS, DLO. Sees patients Mon–Sat at CARE Speciality Clinic, HSR Layout.
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This article is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation.