I use a remedy that works every time for me. From coughs sore throats and general pain relief.
Take standard chalky type paracetamol and chew it to bits and then hold it at the back of the throat for 30 secs before washing down.
It gets the drug quicker into your bloodstream and provides local inflammation relief
It doesn't taste great but really if the pain or irritation is that bad, it's worth it.