Here are some remedies that can help soothe a scratchy throat:

• Drink warm fluids like tea with lemon or hot soup to keep your throat moist.
• Gargle with warm salt water to reduce swelling and irritation in your throat.
• Suck on lozenges or hard candies to stimulate saliva production and keep your throat moist.
• Use a humidifier or sit in a steamy bathroom to add moisture to the air and soothe your throat.
• Avoid irritants like cigarette smoke and cleaning products that can irritate your throat.
• Rest your voice and get plenty of sleep.
• Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
• Try cold liquids like ice water or popsicles.
• Consider over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin (but dont give aspirin to young children) .
• Contact a doctor if your sore throat is severe, doesnt feel better after a few days, or is accompanied by a high fever or swollen glands.

Remember that if your scratchy throat is caused by a virus, antibiotics wont help. Most sore throats will get better on their own within one week.