A sore throat is a painful, scratchy, or irritated feeling in the throat. It is a common symptom of many illnesses, including the common cold, flu, and strep throat. A sore throat can also be caused by environmental factors, such as smoke, dust, or pollution.
There are a number of things that can be done to combat a sore throat. Some simple home remedies include gargling with salt water, drinking plenty of fluids, and sucking on lozenges. There are also a number of over-the-counter medications that can help to relieve sore throat pain.