A sore throat, also known as pharyngitis, is usually a symptom of a viral illness, bacterial infection, or other underlying problem. For most people, it starts as a slight irritation in the throat and causes pain that makes swallowing uncomfortable. Although it is commonly caused by a viral infection that clears up on its own, a sore throat can also be caused by allergies, acid reflux, and dry air. Treatment for a sore throat is usually limited to home remedies, but a bacterial infection like strep throat needs antibiotics.
When should you go to the doctor for a sore throat?
It’s important to see a healthcare provider if a sore throat causes severe pain, lasts for more than a week, or occurs with a high fever, white spots around the tonsils, or trouble breathing. If strep throat is suspected, a healthcare provider may recommend the following:
A rapid antigen detection test with a quick throat swab for results in minutes
A throat culture, which is often recommended for those who have had a negative rapid test, although results could take a couple of days
Blood tests to determine if mononucleosis or another bodily infection may be causing the symptoms
These tests, along with the evaluation of other symptoms associated with the sore throat, can help pinpoint the cause. In some cases, a sore throat may need to be evaluated by an otolaryngologist (ENT), especially if infections recur.
Sore throat treatment options
Treatment for a sore throat will depend on what’s causing it. If it’s caused by a viral infection, such as a cold or flu, a sore throat will go away on its own. However, a bacterial sore throat, such as strep throat, requires antibiotic treatment. In any case, home remedies and over-the-counter products like pain relievers and numbing lozenges or sprays can help reduce the pain and discomfort of a sore throat. A healthcare provider will check whether strep throat is a potential cause before prescribing antibiotics. They will also consider a person’s age, drug allergies, and overall medical history before recommending treatment options.
Types of sore throat medication
Various sore throat medications may be recommended to relieve pain. Some products help treat pain and fever, while others can help numb the throat. Antibiotics are used for an underlying bacterial infection.
Pain relievers
NSAIDs are medications that can easily be found over the counter and help manage fever or pain from a sore throat. These medications include ibuprofen, sold under the brand names Advil and Motrin, as well as naproxen, sold under the brand name Aleve. Acetaminophen is not an NSAID, but it is a popular option for pain and fever. Aspirin may also be helpful, although it’s not recommended in children due to the risk of Reye syndrome.
Numbing sprays and lozenges
Some products act as topical anesthetics that can directly numb the throat for short periods. These include benzocaine lozenges, phenol sprays, and dyclonine lozenges. In addition, menthol lozenges may be used for their cooling effects. Numbing sprays and lozenges provide only short-term relief and may be used alongside a pain reliever or other home remedy.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are the treatment of choice for strep throat. Penicillin and amoxicillin are the most commonly prescribed choices, with treatment lasting for around 10 days. However, a single intramuscular shot of benzathine penicillin G may be prescribed in people who can’t take oral drugs. For those with a penicillin allergy, another antibiotic, such as cephalexin or cefadroxil, clindamycin, azithromycin, or clarithromycin, may be used. It’s important to finish a course of antibiotics even if symptoms have improved.
Corticosteroids
A healthcare provider may recommend a single dose of an oral corticosteroid like dexamethasone for severe throat pain. While they’re not commonly prescribed for most sore throats, they can help reduce inflammation and pain quickly.
Over-the-counter sore throat medicine
Most sore throats can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers as needed. Acetaminophen, NSAIDs, and numbing agents can all be found over the counter. Some products should be avoided, however, including antihistamines and decongestants, which can dry the mouth and worsen throat pain.
What is the best medicine for a sore throat?
This is not an exhaustive list of sore throat medications. Always ask your healthcare provider for the best treatment for a sore throat based on your health condition and medical history.
Common side effects of sore throat medicine
Side effects will depend on the medication being taken.
Acetaminophen: nausea, rash, and headache are potential side effects, as well as liver problems (at high doses).
NSAID pain relievers: common side effects include an upset stomach, nausea, and heartburn, with potentially increased risks of heart problems and stomach ulcers at high doses.
Numbing sprays and lozenges may cause temporary taste changes and mouth numbness.
Antibiotics: common side effects include diarrhea, upset stomach, and nausea.
This is not a complete list of side effects. Seek immediate medical care for signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face or throat. Consult a healthcare provider for other potential side effects and risks.
What are the best sore throat remedies?
Home remedies are usually at the core of managing a sore throat. Although they won't eliminate the underlying cause of the sore throat, they can help relieve pain or discomfort.
Gargle with salt water: Dissolve about half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, then gargle the mixture for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. You can do this several times per day to help ease the pain.
Sip warm liquids with honey: Honey has natural antimicrobial properties and can help soothe a sore throat. Mix it with warm liquids like tea or warm water. Avoid honey in children under 1 year old.
Keep the throat moist: Oftentimes, a dry mouth or throat can make a sore throat feel worse. Have lozenges, hard candy, or popsicles on hand to help avoid dryness and make it easier to swallow. Avoid hard candies in young children due to choking risks.
Keep a humidifier nearby at night: A humidifier can be helpful for reducing dry air, especially at night, when a sore throat can make it hard to sleep.
Get enough rest: Try to avoid speaking loudly and exposure to smoke or other air contaminants that can irritate the throat. Sufficient rest also includes getting to bed earlier to help the immune system do its job.
If a sore throat worsens after a week, even with home remedies, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider. For bacterial infections, these remedies won’t be enough to treat a sore throat without antibiotics.
Expert takeaway
A sore throat with a fever doesn’t equal treatment with an antibiotic. However, if symptoms continue or worsen, especially in a child, it’s important to see a healthcare provider who can test for possible strep throat and prescribe antibiotics if needed.
FAQs about sore throat treatments
How long does a sore throat last?
A viral sore throat usually lasts for a few days at most and is often the initial sign of a cold or flu. Strep throat often improves within a couple of days of starting an antibiotic. Consult a healthcare provider for a recurring sore throat or one that lasts for longer than a week.
How do I get rid of a sore throat quickly?
There is no single medication that cures a sore throat overnight. However, over-the-counter NSAIDs and numbing lozenges, alongside home remedies like gargling with salt water and sipping warm liquids, can help relieve the pain.
Do I need antibiotics for a sore throat?
Antibiotics are only used if a bacterial infection is causing the sore throat. A rapid strep test or a throat culture can help determine whether an antibiotic is necessary. Most sore throats are caused by viruses that are cleared by the body’s immune system.
What is a natural remedy for throat infections?
Natural remedies that can help reduce pain and inflammation include sipping warm ginger tea with honey, gargling with salt water, and eating chicken soup. For those with a bacterial throat infection, such as strep throat, home remedies are not enough without an antibiotic.
What kind of healthcare provider should I see for a sore throat?
A primary care provider or pediatrician can evaluate a sore throat and swab for strep. Depending on what they find, they may prescribe antibiotics or recommend seeing an otolaryngologist, or ENT, for infections that keep coming back.
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