Having a sore throat can be uncomfortable and irritating. Many people reach for alcohol, like vodka, to try and numb the pain. But is this actually a good idea? Here is a quick overview of whether or not you should drink vodka if you have a sore throat.
Quick Answer
No, you should not drink vodka or any other alcoholic beverages if you have a sore throat. Alcohol can further irritate and dry out your throat, making symptoms worse. Additionally, alcohol impacts your immune system, which you need to be strong when fighting infections that cause sore throats.
What Causes a Sore Throat?
There are a few common causes of sore throats:
- Viral infections like colds and flu
- Bacterial infections like strep throat
- Allergies
- Dryness
- Smoking
- Yelling or overusing your voice
Viral and bacterial infections are the most common factors. Your throat becomes irritated, inflamed, and swollen from the infection. This swelling causes the pain and scratchiness you feel when you swallow. Allergies, dryness, smoking, and straining your voice can also trigger throat inflammation.
Can Vodka Help Soothe a Sore Throat?
Alcohol like vodka might briefly numb some of the pain you feel with a sore throat. However, any minor numbing effect is unlikely to last long. And vodka cannot treat the underlying cause of the soreness itself.
Instead, vodka is more likely to make your sore throat feel worse. Here’s why you should avoid drinking alcohol with a sore throat:
- Alcohol is an irritant. It can further inflame and dry out your throat, worsening pain.
- Alcohol impairs immune function. Your body needs its immune system to be strong so it can fight off whatever is causing the sore throat.
- Alcohol causes dehydration. Fluids help soothe a sore throat, and alcohol has a dehydrating effect.
- The bacteria and acids in vodka may aggravate throat tissues.
- Alcohol can interact with pain relievers and medications you may be taking to treat your sore throat.
While a shot of vodka may temporarily make your throat feel a bit less sore, the negative effects outweigh any potential benefits.
What About Hot Toddy with Whiskey, Lemon, and Honey?
Some people believe that hot toddy drinks made with whiskey, lemon, and honey can help soothe sore throats. The honey and lemon provide some symptom relief – honey coats and soothes throat tissues while lemon offers vitamin C. However, the alcohol and acids in whiskey or bourbon may irritate the throat.
A hot toddy made without alcohol would be a better option. Try mixing hot water, lemon juice, honey, and herbs like ginger or thyme for a soothing beverage without the downsides of alcohol.
When Should You See a Doctor?
In most cases, sore throats are minor annoyances caused by a viral infection that clears up on its own. However, see a doctor if:
- Your sore throat lasts longer than a week
- You have difficulty swallowing or breathing
- You have a fever over 101°F
- Your sore throat is accompanied by white spots on the tonsils
- Your voice becomes muffled
- You have neck stiffness or swelling
These can be signs of a more serious issue like strep throat, tonsillitis, or mono that requires medical treatment.
Home Remedies for Sore Throats
To help soothe a sore throat without alcohol:
- Gargle with saltwater. Mix 1/2 teaspoon salt in a glass of warm water and gargle to reduce swelling and ease pain.
- Suck on lozenges. Throat lozenges with an anesthetic like benzocaine can temporarily numb pain.
- Have hot tea with honey and lemon. The heat is soothing, while honey and lemon offer symptom relief.
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers. Medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can reduce sore throat pain.
- Get plenty of rest. This allows your body to focus energy on fighting infection.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water, juice, or other non-alcoholic fluids.
- Breathe steam. Inhale steam from a hot shower or bowl of hot water to moisten and open airways.
- Avoid irritants. Don’t smoke or pollute the air with chemicals that could further irritate your throat.
The Bottom Line
Drinking alcohol like vodka is not recommended when you have a sore throat. While it may temporarily numb your throat, it can worsen inflammation and irritation. Alcohol also impedes immune function. Instead, use home remedies like saltwater gargles, throat lozenges, honey, pain relievers, fluids, steam, and rest to safely manage sore throat symptoms.
| Should you drink vodka for a sore throat? | No |
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| Why should you avoid alcohol with a sore throat? |
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| What ingredients can help soothe a sore throat? |
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References
- Berg, C. (2020, March 24). 9 ways to get relief from an annoyed throat. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-get-rid-of-a-sore-throat
- Mayo Clinic Staff. (2022, January 15). Sore throat. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sore-throat/symptoms-causes/syc-20351635
- Harrison, L. (2022, January 10). Can alcohol help my sore throat or make it worse? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/is-alcohol-good-or-bad-for-sore-throat
- Hot toddy. (n.d.) Wikipedia. Retrieved October 14, 2023 from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_toddy