Will hot soup relieve a sore throat?

When you’re sick with a sore throat, the simple act of swallowing can be excruciating. Whether you’re suffering from strep throat or the common cold, you can soothe your throat and make healing time more bearable by drinking lots of liquids, like hot soup. Talk to your doctor before making any changes in your diet or attempting to treat your sore throat yourself.

Milk, alcoholic beverages, orange juice and tomato juice may irritate the throat. Most other beverages will moisten the vocal folds and prevent dehydration. If hot soup irritates your throat, switch to a lukewarm or cold liquid, like plain water or diluted fruit juice. In rare cases, a sore throat may be the sign of a serious medical condition. If symptoms persist for more than a few days, see your doctor.