A pharmacist has warned that drinking boiling hot liquids straight from the kettle can irritate a sore throat, potentially making the pain "last longer" and delaying healing. Anum Ahmed, who shares health advice on TikTok and Instagram as @Pharmacist.anum, said that while warm drinks can be soothing, scalding temperatures can worsen the condition.
Common Symptoms and Overlooked Remedies
Sore throats are a frequent symptom of winter illnesses such as colds and flu. The discomfort can be hard to ignore, and Ahmed suggests that some of the most "overlooked" home remedies may be more beneficial than many people realise, potentially reducing the need for over-the-counter medicines.
She recommended standard paracetamol as an effective painkiller for sore throat relief. Ibuprofen, if suitable, can also help because it is an anti-inflammatory that soothes the pain.
Lozenges and Hydration
For targeted relief, many people reach for medicated lozenges. Ahmed noted that some contain a local anaesthetic, while others contain "anti-inflammatory ingredients." However, she cautioned: "Now, with these, it's important to remember that the impact can be quite small, so don't expect a miracle. Speak with your pharmacist, and they can let you know which ones are available and which ones are suitable for you."
Staying hydrated is "key" to easing a sore throat, according to Ahmed, though many people choose the wrong types of drinks. She said: "Most people will reach for warm drinks when they have a sore throat, which can be really helpful, especially with a little bit of honey. It can be really soothing for your sore throat."
The Hot Drink Mistake
Ahmed also highlighted that cold drinks and cold foods, such as ice lollies, can provide a numbing effect that helps relieve pain. But the one drink she says can make a sore throat "last longer" and potentially get "worse" is boiling hot liquid. "You want to avoid boiling hot drinks straight out of the kettle. Boiling hot drinks can actually irritate your throat more and make the pain worse," she warned.
Health experts suggest that scalding drinks can aggravate a sore throat by causing thermal irritation and minor burns to the tender, inflamed tissue lining the throat. While pleasantly warm liquids like tea or broth can calm irritation and break up mucus, extremely hot liquids heighten pain, inflammation and swelling.
According to the NHS website, a sore throat typically improves by itself "within a week" but recovers more quickly with established treatments and remedies. Ahmed advises: "If you are concerned you're getting severe symptoms, and they're not improving. Please always speak with your pharmacist or your GP."
