{"id":627169,"date":"2024-03-06T09:42:20","date_gmt":"2024-03-06T14:42:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=627169"},"modified":"2024-10-25T10:05:55","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T14:05:55","slug":"does-ibuprofen-help-sore-throat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/does-ibuprofen-help-sore-throat\/","title":{"rendered":"Does ibuprofen help with sore throat?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sore throats occur for a variety of <\/span>reasons<\/span><\/a>. Ibuprofen, a common over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever, is an effective treatment for sore throat symptoms. The recommended dose of ibuprofen can reduce discomfort from pain and inflammation associated with a sore throat, although some causes of sore throat may require prescription medicine. Sore throats are often associated with colds and cases of the flu. It is important to drink plenty of fluids, monitor body temperature, and consult a healthcare provider if sore throat symptoms worsen. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Can I take ibuprofen for a sore throat?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Many sore throats will clear on their own, but taking ibuprofen can relieve some of those uncomfortable symptoms until optimal health resumes. A sore throat, also known as pharyngitis, could result from a virus, bacterial infection, <\/span>allergies<\/span><\/a>, or sinus drainage. Additional causes of sore throat could include dry air, air pollution, a side effect from cigarette smoke, and even yelling. Ibuprofen is a <\/span>nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)<\/span><\/a> that can assist in relieving a sore throat and related symptoms. <\/span><\/p>\n

Ibuprofen helps reduce pain, inflammation, and fever. It blocks cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes and reduces prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that trigger pain and inflammation. Blocking these chemicals in the body can reduce inflammation, fever, and mild to moderate pain associated with a sore throat. Remember, while ibuprofen can reduce symptoms of sore throat, it does treat the underlying cause. <\/span><\/p>\n

Use caution if taking multiple medications to treat a sore throat that occurs along with other symptoms such as cough. Many combination cough and cold products incorporate ibuprofen or Tylenol (acetaminophen) into the medication. Read product labels carefully to avoid accidentally taking a double dose of ibuprofen or pain reliever, especially for children. Although ibuprofen is available OTC, it also comes in <\/span>prescription form<\/span><\/a> in higher doses. Follow the pharmacist’s recommendation on how to use medication properly. <\/span><\/p>\n

How fast does ibuprofen work for a sore throat?<\/span><\/h2>\n

In general, ibuprofen will start to work after about 30 minutes, although this timeframe can vary. Take ibuprofen with food or milk to lower the risk of side effects such as indigestion or irritation to the stomach lining. <\/span><\/p>\n

Research<\/span><\/a> shows that older adults who use NSAIDs chronically have increased chances of developing peptic ulcers and other conditions, such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney disorders. Furthermore, studies suggest—and experts recommend—that pain relief medication, at any age, be taken at the lowest effective dosage for a minimal length of time. <\/span><\/p>\n

Ibuprofen reaches maximum effectiveness approximately 1-2 hours after it is ingested. Throat lozenges and other <\/span>natural remedies<\/span><\/a> could help soothe the throat before the medication is in full effect or if it starts to wear off before the next dose. The effects of ibuprofen fade after several hours. Still, it takes approximately <\/span>24 hours<\/span><\/a> for a dose of the drug to metabolize and be eliminated from the body (if no more medication is taken after that dose). <\/span><\/p>\n

How long does a sore throat last?<\/span><\/h2>\n

A sore throat could occur from numerous causes. According to the <\/span>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)<\/span><\/a>, most sore throats result from viral infection. Other sources of sore throat are bacterial infections, allergies, and overuse of the vocal cords. Treatment and the length of a sore throat will vary based on the root cause. For example:<\/span><\/p>\n