We’ve all been there: you wake up one morning, and there’s that scratchy, burning feeling at the back of your throat. Swallowing food feels like a task, talking gets uncomfortable, and all you want is some quick relief. Throat pain is one of the most common health complaints in India, especially during seasonal changes, monsoons, and flu season. And while most cases settle on their own within a few days, understanding why my throat is paining and what’s actually going on can help you deal with it faster and know when it’s time to see a doctor.
This blog covers the most common causes of throat pain, symptoms to watch for, tried-and-tested home remedies for throat pain, and when to consider a treatment.
Throat Pain Causes
Throat pain doesn’t always mean you have a serious infection. Sometimes it’s as simple as breathing dry air all night with the AC on. But other times, it can point to something that needs attention. Here are the most common throat pain reasons:
Viral Infections
This is by far the most frequent cause. The common cold, influenza, and even COVID-19 (yes, throat pain in corona was one of the earliest reported symptoms) can all start with a sore, painful throat. If you’ve got a running nose and throat pain together, or fever and throat pain at the same time, a viral infection is usually the culprit. These tend to come with a cough, mild body ache, and general fatigue and typically resolve within 5 to 7 days.
Bacterial Infections
Strep throat and tonsillitis are the big ones here. If you notice white patches on your tonsils, difficulty swallowing, and high fever, bacteria may be involved. Unlike viral infections, bacterial throat infections often need an antibiotic for throat pain prescribed by a doctor. Don’t self-medicate with antibiotics that do more harm than good in the long run.
Also read: Everything You Need to Know About Sore Throat
Allergies and Irritants
Pollution, dust, smoke, and even strong perfumes can irritate the throat lining. If you live in a metropolitan area where air quality fluctuates seasonally, you might notice cold throat pain flaring up during certain months without any actual infection.
Acid Reflux (GERD)
If you frequently experience throat pain after vomiting or a sour taste at the back of your mouth, acid reflux could be the reason. Stomach acid travelling upward irritates the throat, and this is more common than people realise.
Other Causes
Throat pain and headache together can sometimes indicate sinus issues. Left side throat pain or right side throat pain that stays on one side may point to a localised infection or even a dental issue. And if you’ve been noticing throat and ear pain at the same time, the nerves in that region often share pathways, so an infection in one area can cause pain in the other.
Throat Pain Symptoms to Watch For
Most sore throats are harmless and pass on their own. But certain throat pain symptoms need attention:
- Severe pain in my throat that lasts more than a week
- Throat pain when swallowing or throat pain while swallowing that makes eating nearly impossible.
- High fever (above 101°F) that doesn’t come down
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Difficulty breathing or opening the mouth
- Throat pain and cough that doesn’t improve after 7-10 days
- Blood in saliva or phlegm
If any of these sound familiar, it’s best to consult a doctor rather than waiting it out.
Also read: How to Boost Your Immune System: Lifestyle Changes and Treatments for All Ages
Home Remedies for Throat Pain
Before you reach for that medicine strip, several home remedies for cough and throat pain genuinely work. These won’t cure an infection, but they’ll give you real, noticeable relief:
- Warm Salt Water Gargle
This is probably the oldest and most effective instant remedy for throat pain. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water and gargle for 30 seconds. It reduces swelling, loosens mucus, and flushes out irritants. Do this 3-4 times a day for the best results. - Honey and Ginger Tea
A warm cup of honey-ginger tea is a genuinely soothing & best remedy for throat pain at home. Honey coats the throat and has mild antibacterial properties, while ginger fights inflammation. Together, they’re a simple and effective way to treat throat pain at home. - Turmeric Milk (Haldi Doodh)
A staple in Indian households and for good reason. Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory. A glass of warm turmeric milk before bed can ease throat pain and help you sleep better. - Steam Inhalation
If your throat pain comes with congestion, steam inhalation helps open up the airways and moistens a dry, irritated throat. Add a drop of eucalyptus oil for extra relief. - Stay Hydrated
This sounds basic, but it’s one of the most overlooked remedies for throat pain and cough. Warm fluids soups, broths, and herbal teas, keep the throat moist and help your body fight off infection. - Chamomile Tea
Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, chamomile tea is a gentle, quick remedy for throat pain, especially if you’re looking for something caffeine-free before bed.
Throat Pain Treatment
For mild cases, the home remedies above combined with rest are usually enough. But when symptoms are more severe, here’s what throat pain treatment typically looks like:
- Over-the-counter lozenges and sprays can provide instant relief from throat pain by numbing the area temporarily.
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen work well as basic medicine for pain and fever. These are widely considered the best medicines for throat pain when it’s mild to moderate.
- Antihistamines help if allergies are the root cause.
- Antibiotics are prescribed only when a bacterial infection is confirmed. Your doctor might do a throat swab or rapid strep test before prescribing an antibiotic for throat pain.
For persistent or recurring sore throats, a doctor may recommend further tests to rule out conditions like GERD, chronic tonsillitis or, in rare cases, growths in the throat area. The key is not to ignore athroat pain that keeps coming back.
Also read: Home Remedies for Cold and Cough That Actually Work (2026)
Throat Pain Treatment in Bangalore
If you’re in Bangalore and dealing with throat pain that won’t go away or keeps returning every few weeks, it’s worth getting it checked properly. Bangalore’s climate, combined with rising air pollution and allergen exposure, makes recurrent sore throats quite common in the city.
Clinikk Health Hub offers affordable, accessible throat pain treatment in Bangalore with experienced general physicians who can diagnose the root cause, whether it’s an infection, allergy, acid reflux, or something else. Instead of hopping between chemists and guessing which throat pain medicine to buy, a quick consultation can save you days of discomfort.
Walk-in consultations, online appointments, and follow-up support are available to make the process hassle-free.
FAQs
How can I get instant relief from throat pain?
Gargling with warm salt water is the fastest home remedy. For immediate numbing relief, an OTC throat spray or medicated lozenge can help. Sipping warm honey-ginger tea also soothes the throat within minutes.
How long does throat pain usually last?
Most sore throats caused by viral infections clear up in 5 to 7 days. If your throat pain lasts beyond a week or gets worse after 3-4 days, it’s a good idea to see a doctor.
When should I take an antibiotic for throat pain?
Only when your doctor confirms a bacterial infection like strep throat. Antibiotics don’t work against viruses, and taking them unnecessarily can lead to antibiotic resistance.
Why do I have throat pain on only one side?
Left side throat pain or right side throat pain can happen due to a localised infection, a swollen lymph node, a dental abscess, or even sleeping in an awkward position. If it persists, get it evaluated.
Can throat pain be a symptom of COVID-19?
Yes. Pain in the throat during corona was widely reported, especially in the Omicron variant. If you have throat pain along with fever, body ache, or loss of taste/smell, consider getting tested.
What should I avoid when I have throat pain?
Cold drinks, fried and spicy food, smoking, and very dry environments. Stick to warm fluids, soft foods, and rest. Avoid whispering too; it actually strains the vocal cords more than speaking normally.
How to reduce throat pain at night?
Keep your head slightly elevated, use a humidifier if your room is dry, sip warm water before bed, and try a spoonful of honey. Avoid eating anything for at least 2 hours before sleeping, especially if acid reflux is a factor.
