The Decoder
8 Sore-Throat Soothers
Experts' top treatments for sore-throat pain, from home remedies to drugstore buys.
Over-the-Counter Numbing Spray
Try it when: Every swallow aches a little.
How it works: When the spray hits your throat, the ingredient phenol (a local anesthetic) gives instant, albeit temporary, relief. “These
sprays deaden the area for a couple of hours, so if you have a very irritated, inflamed throat, they make it feel better fast,”
says Tucker. Try Chloraseptic Sore Throat Spray ($6.50, cvs.com).
Good to know: These sprays simply mask the pain. They don’t treat the underlying problem, help your immune system, or shorten the duration
of symptoms.
Next: Prescription Gargle
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