Home remedies for a sore throat and dry cough

A viral cold, influenza or COVID-19 commonly irritates the throat and airways. Allergic rhinitis can cause drainage from the nose that repeatedly tickles the throat. Acid reflux may irritate the throat, especially after meals or when lying down. Strep throat, tonsillitis or glandular fever are other possibilities, particularly when swallowing is difficult, fever is present or the neck glands are tender. Symptoms do not by themselves establish which condition is responsible.

Take frequent sips of water or a warm drink, and use honey to coat the throat if appropriate; never give honey to an infant. Gargling with warm salt water may help older children and adults who can gargle safely. Use a humidifier, avoid smoke and rest your voice. A pharmacist can advise on lozenges or cough medicines and check for interactions, pregnancy concerns and age restrictions. Follow the product label and do not combine products with the same active ingredient.

Arrange a review if the cough or throat pain is worsening, keeps returning, or is not settling. Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing or swallowing, drooling, a muffled voice, chest pain, coughing blood, dehydration, or swelling of the lips or tongue. Fever with severe throat pain or marked one-sided swelling needs prompt assessment. A clinician may examine the throat and decide whether testing is needed.

Could reflux, allergy or infection explain my symptoms? Which throat or cough treatment is safe with my medicines? Do I need testing for strep throat, influenza or COVID-19?