Sore throat; Causes, Treatment and Home Remedies

A sore throat is a common discomfort characterized by pain, dryness, or itching in the throat. It's typically caused by infections or environmental factors like dry air. Each year, it leads to over 13 million medical office visits. There are different types depending on which part of the throat is affected:

  • Pharyngitis affects the area behind the mouth
  • Tonsillitis involves swelling and redness of the tonsils
  • Laryngitis causes inflammation in the voice box or larynx

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What are the causes of sore throat?

The viruses that cause cold and the flu also cause sore throats. Less frequently, bacterial infections can cause sore throats.

Viral infections

Viral conditions that include:

  • Cold
  • Flu
  • Mononucleosis
  • Measles
  • Chickenpox
  • COVID-19
  • Croup — a common childhood illness characterized by a severe, barking cough

Bacterial infections

Several bacterial infections can cause a sore throat. Strep throat is caused by the most common bacterial infection group A streptococcus.


What are common diagnoses for a sore throat?

To diagnose a sore this conditiondoctor will gather your medical history and conduct a physical exam. Your doctor may perform the following:

  • A quick strep test for suspected strep throat provides immediate results.
  • Consider a throat culture for confirmation, with results usually within 24-48 hours.
  • Order blood tests, CT scans, or X-rays to evaluate other possible causes.
  • Refer to a specialist if necessary based on Sore throat symptoms and initial diagnosis.

What is the Treatment for Sore Throat?

A viral sore throat usually lasts 5-7 days and often gets better without medical treatment. To alleviate pain and fever, consider using acetaminophen or other mild pain relievers.

  • When treating children, opt for over-the-counter pain relievers designed for infants or kids, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
  • Never administer aspirin to children or adolescents due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal condition characterized by liver and brain inflammation.

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When to visit a Doctor?

A sore throat caused by a viral infection usually improves on its own within two to seven days. Still, some causes need to be treated. Call your physician if you have any of these potentially more serious symptoms:

  • Sore throat that lasts for over a week
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Difficulty breathing or pain when you breathe
  • Difficulty opening your mouth
  • Joint pain
  • Fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Sore or stiff neck
  • Earache
  • Blood in your saliva or phlegm

What are some effective home remedies?

You can treat most sore throats at home. Get enough rest to give your immune system a chance to fight infection. To get relief from sore throat:

  • Gargle with saltwater.
  • Drink soothing hot liquids like tea with honey or herbal teas.
  • Enjoy a cold treat like a popsicle.
  • Use lozenges or hard candy.
  • Increase humidity with a cool mist humidifier.
  • Rest your voice.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I quickly relieve a sore throat overnight?

To make your sore throat feel better overnight, you can try drinking warm tea with honey, sucking on throat lozenges, or rinsing your throat with salt water before you go to sleep.

2. Is ice cream beneficial for soothing a sore throat?

Ice cream might make your throat feel a bit better because it's cold, but it's not the best choice because dairy can sometimes make mucus worse and make your throat feel more irritated.

3. Does alcohol worsen a sore throat?

Drinking alcohol can make a throat worse because it can dry out your body and make your throat feel more sore. It's better to avoid alcohol when your throat hurts.

4. Is coffee advisable for soothing a sore throat?

Coffee isn't usually good for a throat because the caffeine can dry out your body and make your throat feel worse. It's better to drink something warm like herbal tea with honey to help your throat feel better.

5. How to treat sore throat?

To treat a sore throat, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers, throat lozenges, and stay hydrated by drinking warm fluids. Gargling with salt water and using a humidifier can also help soothe the throat.

6. How long does a sore throat last?

The duration can vary depending on its cause. Generally, viral infections can last for about 3 to 7 days, while bacterial infections may require antibiotic treatment and can persist for longer periods if left untreated. If your sore throat lasts for more than a week or is severe, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

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