Could I have scratched my throat causing the sore throat? The medication got caught in my throat.

Hi Mike,

Yes, swallowing a pill without enough water can potentially irritate or scratch the throat. This might make your throat feel sore or uncomfortable.

Here are some remedies that might help soothe your throat:

Drink plenty of fluids: Stay well-hydrated to keep your throat moist and soothe any irritation. Water is a great option, but warm liquids like herbal tea or a warm broth can also be very soothing.
Suck on a throat lozenge or hard candy: These can stimulate saliva production, which can help keep your throat moist. Some lozenges also contain ingredients that can help soothe throat irritation.
Gargle with warm salt water: Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle the solution. This can help soothe a sore throat.
Use a humidifier: Dry air can aggravate a sore throat. A humidifier can add moisture to your environment and help soothe throat irritation.
Rest your voice: Try not to speak too much or yell, as this can further strain your throat.

Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen could also help if the pain is bothering you.

In some cases, what starts as a simple scratch from a pill could become infected and require medical treatment. In general, minor throat irritation from swallowing a pill without enough water should improve within a few days with these supportive measures. If not, please seek medical attention.