where to see treatment for sore throat

What to do if you have a sore throat?

Seeing a physician. A biopsy is needed to evaluate a suspected tumor of the tonsil. “However, a tonsillectomy should always be the last resort for treating sore throats,” warns Dr. Scotch. “The best treatment for a sore throat is prevention.”.

When should you see a doctor for a sore throat?

If you're an adult, see your doctor if you have a sore throat and any of the following associated problems, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery: Fever higher than 101 F (38.3 C)

What is the best pain reliever for a sore throat?

There are many possible pain-relieving OTC medications for a sore throat. Most of them consist of a pill or liquid taken by mouth. Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) are known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They relieve pain and redness by lowering inflammation and swelling.

What is a sore throat?

The throat includes the esophagus, windpipe (trachea), voice box (larynx), tonsils and epiglottis. Symptoms of a sore throat can vary depending on the cause. Signs and symptoms might include: Infections causing a sore throat might result in other signs and symptoms, including:

Is there anything a doctor can do for a sore throat?

Sore throat treatment If your sore throat is cause by the flu, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medicine. Antibiotics don't work on viruses. Most sore throats caused by a cold or flu-type virus go away in a week to 10 days. If your sore throat is caused by bacteria, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic.

What is the fastest treatment for sore throat?

16 Best Sore Throat Remedies to Make You Feel Better Fast, According to DoctorsGargle with salt water—but steer clear of apple cider vinegar. ... Drink extra-cold liquids. ... Suck on an ice pop. ... Fight dry air with a humidifier. ... Skip acidic foods. ... Swallow antacids. ... Sip herbal teas. ... Coat and soothe your throat with honey.More items...•

Should I call my doctor if I have a sore throat?

See a doctor right away if a sore throat lasts more than a week or if it comes with: Fever higher than 100.4˚F. Severe pain when swallowing or difficulty swallowing. Pus or white patches on the tonsils or back of the throat.

How long do sore throats last?

Sore throats, also known as pharyngitis, can be acute, lasting only a few days, or chronic, lingering on until their underlying cause is addressed. Most sore throats are the result of common viruses and resolve on their own within 3 to 10 days. Sore throats caused by a bacterial infection or allergies may last longer.

Which is best medicine for throat infection?

Doctors most often prescribe penicillin or amoxicillin (Amoxil) to treat strep throat. They are the top choices because they're safer, inexpensive, and they work well on strep bacteria.

How long to wait before seeing a doctor about a sore throat?

People should see a doctor if a sore throat lasts 6 days or more, or they have a fever or other symptoms.

Why won't my sore throat go away?

If you're experiencing a prolonged sore throat and are unable to find relief, it's possible you may have an infection like tonsillitis. Most often, tonsillitis is diagnosed in children, but people can get it at any age. Tonsillitis can be caused by bacterial infections or viruses.

What's strep throat look like?

Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus. Tiny red spots on the area at the back of the roof of the mouth (soft or hard palate) Swollen, tender lymph nodes in your neck. Fever.

How to prevent sore throat?

You can help prevent sore throats by doing your best to stay healthy and keep others healthy, including: Clean your hands. Avoid close contact with people who have sore throats, colds, or other upper respiratory infections. Don’t smoke and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.

Why does my throat feel sore?

A sore throat can make it painful to swallow. A sore throat can also feel dry and scratchy. Sore throat can be a symptom of strep throat, the common cold, allergies, or other upper respiratory tract illness.

How do you know if you have strep throat?

Symptoms of Strep Throat. The most common symptoms of strep throat include: Sore throat that can start very quickly. Pain when swallowing. Fever. Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus. Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth. Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck.

What causes a sore throat?

The bacteria group A strep, which causes strep throat (also called streptococcal pharyngitis) Allergies. Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke. Of these, infections from viruses are the most common cause of sore throats. Strep throat is an infection in the throat and tonsils caused by bacteria called group A Streptococcus ...

Why is my throat scratchy?

Or is your throat scratchy? You likely have a sore throat that’s caused by a virus. Most sore throats, except for strep throat, do not need antibiotics.

How do doctors determine what type of illness you have?

A doctor will determine what type of illness you have by asking about symptoms and doing a physical examination. Sometimes they will also swab your throat. baby icon. See a doctor right away if your child is younger than 3 months old and has a fever of 100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher.

Can you take cough and cold medicine at 4?

Cough and cold medicines: Children younger than 4 years old: do not use unless a doctor specifically tells you to. Use of over-the-counter cough and cold medicines in young children can result in serious and potentially life-threatening side effects.

What to do if you have a sore throat from allergies?

If your sore throat is caused by allergies, you can take over-the-counter antihistamines to decongest your nose and get rid of postnasal drip that may be irritating your throat. Alternative Medicine.

What to do if you have a swollen throat?

Avoid alcohol or any caffeinated drinks like coffee, because they can dehydrate you. Continued. Over-the-counter Pain Relievers. You can use a numbing throat spray or over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to keep you comfortable as you rest.

How to tell if you have strep throat?

You should see a doctor if you suspect you are dealing with strep throat, especially if you have the following symptoms: 1 Fever 2 Lymph nodes that are swollen 3 Pain and difficulty when swallowing 4 Red spots on the roof of your mouth 5 Sore throat that started quickly 6 Tonsils that are red and swollen

What causes strep throat?

Strep throat is caused by a bacteria called Streptococcus pyogenes and should be treated with antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. In areas where the summers are warm and winters are cold, viral sore throats usually peak in the winter and early spring, when people are mostly inside. Viruses are spread by droplets in the air from sneezes ...

What are the red spots on the roof of my mouth?

Red spots on the roof of your mouth. Sore throat that started quickly. Tonsils that are red and swollen. Your doctor can test you for strep throat using a simple test. A swab is used to collect a sample from the back of your throat, then sent to a lab for testing.

Why does my throat hurt?

A sore throat occurs when your pharynx, the back of your throat, becomes inflamed. The common sore throat is caused by a virus — like the flu or the common cold — and usually goes away in a few days. Strep throat is caused by a bacteria called Streptococcus pyogenes and should be treated with antibiotics prescribed by your doctor.

How to keep your throat moist?

Get plenty of rest and sleep. You should drink a lot of fluids because they prevent dehydration and keep your throat moist. Stick to comforting beverages like a simple broth, soup, warm water, or caffeine-free tea with honey. Avoid alcohol or any caffeinated drinks like coffee, because they can dehydrate you.

What are the best medicines for a sore throat?

Certain pain-relieving medications can help control the pain from a sore throat. There are many possible pain-relieving OTC medications for a sore throat. Most of them consist of a pill or liquid taken by mouth.

Sore Throat Remedies

Pain relievers, numbing medications, demulcents, and antihistamines are considered some of the best medicines for a sore throat. But some people may decide that OTC medications are not the right choice for them. If you choose not to take these sore throat medications, there are several other remedies you can consider.

The bottom line

A sore throat — no matter its cause — can be quite painful and irritating. Thankfully, there are many OTC medications that can help soothe a sore throat. Some of the best medicines for a sore throat include pain relievers, numbing medications, demulcents, and antihistamines.

How to get rid of sore throat?

Salt Water. While salt water may not provide you with immediate relief, it is still an effective remedy for killing bacteria while loosening mucus and easing pain. Simply mix half a teaspoon of salt into 8 ounces of warm water and gargle away . 2.

How to get rid of sore throat from a swollen throat?

Mix one teaspoon of lemon juice into a glass of warm water and drink for quick relief.

What teas help with sore throat?

There are many different kinds of herbal teas you can try for quick sore throat relief. Clove tea and green tea both contain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to fight against infections while providing relief. Raspberry, chamomile, and peppermint tea are great choices for relieving pain and reducing inflammation. Chamomile tea can also serve as a natural lubricant, so if your voice is hoarse and you’re having difficulty speaking, this may be your best option. Additionally, peppermint tea can naturally numb your throat and alleviate your pain. When choosing the best tea for your sore throat, you may also want to check the caffeine content.

Why does my throat hurt in winter?

Dry air, especially during the harsh, cold days of winter, may be the cause of your sore throat. A humidifier will keep the air moist and open your sinuses. Add in a tablespoon or two of vapor rub or hydrogen peroxide solution to provide additional relief.

How to cure a sore throat from hot sauce?

So, while it may burn at first, dropping a few drops of hot sauce into a warm glass of water to gargle may just be the right remedy to cure your sore throat. 5. Tea. There are many different kinds of herbal teas you can try ...

How long does it take for a sore throat to go away?

They are typically caused by infections including the common cold, flu and strep throat and while they tend to be quite painful, they often go away within a week.

What is the best tea for hoarse voice?

Raspberry, chamomile, and peppermint tea are great choices for relieving pain and reducing inflammation. Chamomile tea can also serve as a natural lubricant, so if your voice is hoarse and you’re having difficulty speaking, this may be your best option.

How to treat a sore throat?

In most cases, your sore throat will improve with at-home sore throat remedies such as these: 1 Gargling with warm salt water 2 Using throat lozenges 3 Drinking plenty of fluids 4 Using a low-temperature air humidifier 5 Taking an over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen

How long does a sore throat last?

You develop a rash or joint pain. Your symptoms worsen. You have a fever of more than 101 degrees that lasts longer than one to two days.

Why does my throat hurt?

A sore throat can be caused by a common cold, allergens, or bacterial infections (like strep throat). The most common causes, however, are flu and viral infections. The important thing to know is that the cause often dictates the best type of sore throat treatment. Providers at GoHealth Urgent Care can help determine the underlying source ...

What happens if you leave a sore throat untreated?

What if my sore throat is left untreated? Strep throat, if left untreated, could lead to significant complications. If there is no improvement in your symptoms in a few days, see your health care provider.

Can antibiotics be used for a sore throat?

However, if your sore throat is the result of a viral illness such as the common cold, it cannot be treated with antibiotics.

Can a sore throat be a sign of something more serious?

Sign and symptoms of a sore throat can just as easily be the beginnings of something more serious: strep throat (streptococcal pharyngitis) caused by strep bacteria. Strep throat is usually associated with moderate to severe sore throat, headache, and fever, without a cough or runny nose. Your health care provider can perform a test to determine ...

What are the symptoms of a sore throat?

Symptoms of a sore throat can vary depending on the cause. Signs and symptoms might include: Pain or a scratchy sensation in the throat. Pain that worsens with swallowing or talking.

Why does my throat feel sore?

Other causes of a sore throat include: Allergies. Allergies to pet dander, molds, dust and pollen can cause a sore throat. The problem may be complicated by postnasal drip, which can irritate and inflame the throat. Dryness. Dry indoor air can make your throat feel rough and scratchy.

How long does a sore throat last?

If you're an adult, see your doctor if you have a sore throat and any of the following associated problems, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery: A sore throat that is severe or lasts longer than a week. Difficulty swallowing. Difficulty breathing. Difficulty opening your mouth.

Why does HIV cause throat sores?

Also, someone who is HIV-positive might have a chronic or recurring sore throat due to a fungal infection called oral thrush or due to a viral infection called cytomegalovirus (CMV), which can be serious in people with compromised immune systems. Tumors.

When to take a child to the doctor for sore throat?

Take your child to a doctor if your child's sore throat doesn't go away with the first drink in the morning, recommends the American Academy of Pediatrics. Get immediate care if your child has severe signs and symptoms such as: Difficulty breathing. Difficulty swallowing.

Can a teenager get a sore throat?

Although anyone can get a sore throat, some factors make you more susceptible, including: Age. Children and teens are most likely to develop sore throats. Children ages 3 to 15 are also more likely to have strep throat, the most common bacterial infection associated with a sore throat. Exposure to tobacco smoke.

Can smoking cause throat pain?

Smoking and secondhand smoke can irritate the throat. The use of tobacco products also increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, throat and voice box. Allergies. Seasonal allergies or ongoing allergic reactions to dust, molds or pet dander make developing a sore throat more likely.

What is the best treatment for a sore throat?

Bacterial infection: In the case of a bacterial infection, such as strep throat, a doctor may prescribe an antibiotic. People should always take the complete course, even if they feel better before finishing all the medication.

How do you know if you have a sore throat?

The symptoms of a sore throat can vary depending on the exact cause. Common signs and symptoms include: a scratchy sensation in the throat. pain in the thro at area that becomes worse when swallowing or talking. difficulty swallowing. sore or swollen glands in the neck or jaw area. swollen red tonsils.

What test is used to determine if a sore throat is bacterial?

If a doctor suspects that a sore throat is bacterial, they will often start by taking a throat swab for testing in the lab to determine if a strep infection is present.

What causes a sore throat in adults?

of sore throats in children and 5–15 percent in adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Other common causes of a sore throat include: allergies. irritation caused by dry heat, pollutants, or chemicals.

Why is my throat sore?

A sore throat can make it painful to eat and even talk. It brings scratchiness and irritation to the throat that can become worse when swallowing. Common causes include a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu, or bacteria. Most sore throats are not serious, but severe symptoms can make it difficult to breathe.

How to help a sore throat in children?

cold treats, such as popsicles, for children. gargling with warm, salt water or apple cider vinegar. lozenges or hard candy to soothe a sore throat and a cough for children over the age of 4 years and adults.

What is the name of the disease that can cause a tumor in the throat?

HIV infection. tumors of the throat, tongue, or larynx. epiglottitis. Epiglottitis is a rare but potentially dangerous throat infection in which inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis can close the airway, making it difficult to breathe. It is a medical emergency.

How to treat a sore throat?

When it come to treating a sore throat, you can try: 1 Gargling at least once an hour with warm salt water to reduce swelling and discomfort. 2 Drinking hot fluids such as tea or soup, which soothe the throat and help thin sinus mucus allowing for better drainage and decreased stuffiness. 3 Stopping smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. 4 Taking nonprescription medications, such as throat lozenges, decongestants, acetaminophen or anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen.

How to prevent a sore throat from smoking?

You can prevent a sore throat by replacing your toothbrush every month and tossing an old toothbrush once you’ve recovered from a sore throat to prevent re-infection. You should also refrain from smoking, which can be abrasive to the throat. “Be sure to wash your hands often, eat right and get plenty of sleep,” advises Dr. Scotch.

How long does it take for a sore throat to go away?

However, it’s time to see your doctor if a severe sore throat and a fever over 101 degrees lasts longer than one to two days; you have difficulty sleeping because your throat is blocked by swollen tonsils or adenoids; or a red rash appears.

What is the procedure to remove tonsils?

Your doctor may recommend a tonsillectomy (the surgical removal of the tonsils) if: Abscesses of the tonsils do not respond to drainage. There is a persistent foul odor or taste in the mouth that does not respond to antibiotics. A biopsy is needed to evaluate a suspected tumor of the tonsil.

How to get rid of sinuses and swollen throat?

Gargling at least once an hour with warm salt water to reduce swelling and discomfort. Drinking hot fluids such as tea or soup, which soothe the throat and help thin sinus mucus allowing for better drainage and decreased stuffiness. Stopping smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.

Can a doctor prescribe antibiotics for a bacterial infection?

In that case, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to treat your infection. “For adults who have repeated bacterial throat infections within a relatively short period of time, a physician may recommend a tonsillectomy,” says Dr. Scotch.

Is tonsilectomy the last resort for sore throat?

A biopsy is needed to evaluate a suspected tumor of the tonsil. “However, a tonsillectomy should always be the last resort for treating sore throats,” warns Dr. Scotch. “The best treatment for a sore throat is prevention.”.

What to do when you have a sore throat?

4. Steam and humidity. The skinny: Take a hot shower. When it gets really steamy, breathe in the magic. Doctor’s advice: Steam loosens mucus and can moisturize and soothe a sore throat. 5. Hot toddy. The skinny: A hot toddy is a drink combo made with water, whiskey, honey and lemon juice and served hot.

What to do if throat pain is severe?

Have trouble swallowing, breathing or opening your mouth. Are coughing up blood or have blood in your saliva. Feel enlarged lymph nodes, or lumps, in your neck.

How to tell if you have a syringe?

Dr. Allan says to use common sense when deciding whether to seek out medical care. Call a doctor if you: 1 Have throat pain that’s severe, prolonged or not improving, or stretches into your ear. 2 Have trouble swallowing, breathing or opening your mouth. 3 Are coughing up blood or have blood in your saliva. 4 Feel enlarged lymph nodes, or lumps, in your neck. 5 Have white patches on the back of your throat or a rash, possible signs of strep throat or scarlet fever. 6 Have a high fever. 7 Lose your voice for more than a week or two.

How to tell if you have strep throat?

Feel enlarged lymph nodes, or lumps, in your neck. Have white patches on the back of your throat or a rash, possible signs of strep throat or scarlet fever. Have a high fever. Lose your voice for more than a week or two. And remember, when it comes to illnesses, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of hot toddies.

How to stop coughing from cold?

2. Gargling. The skinny: Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt — or a similar amount of baking soda — in a glass of warm water.

Can antihistamines make your throat worse?

But sometimes they go overboard, triggering symptoms (such as congestion and post-nasal drip) that can make a sore throat feel worse. Antihistamines can counteract this overreaction. Advertising Policy. 4.

Does whiskey help with throat infections?

Whiskey also dilates the blood vessels on the surface of the throat, so immune cells in your blood can multiply and fight the infection. Spices stimulate saliva production, improving both hydration and mucus flow in your throat. 6. Rest.

Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

• Your or your child's doctor may review the symptoms and medical history. He or she may conduct a physical exam that includes: 1. Using a lighted instrument to look at the throat, and likely the ears and nasal passages 2. Gently feeling the neck to check for swollen glands (lymph nodes) 3…

See more on mayoclinic.org

Alternative Medicine