Throat Pain: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Prevention (2024)

FAQs

Throat Pain: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Prevention? ›

The most common cause of a sore throat (pharyngitis) is a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. A sore throat caused by a virus resolves on its own. Strep throat (streptococcal infection), a less common type of sore throat caused by bacteria, requires treatment with antibiotics to prevent complications.

A sore throat can make it painful to eat, talk, or swallow. Tips for soothing a sore or scratchy throat include using a humidifier, sucking on popsicles, and taking honey. However, some people may require medical treatment. Common causes include a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu, and bacteria.

The best way to protect yourself from the germs that cause these infections is to wash your hands often. Try to steer clear of people who have colds or other contagious infections. And avoid smoking and inhaling second-hand smoke, which can irritate your throat.

Breathing through your mouth — often because of chronic nasal congestion — also can cause a dry, sore throat. Irritants. Outdoor air pollution and indoor pollution such as tobacco smoke or chemicals can cause a chronic sore throat. Chewing tobacco, drinking alcohol and eating spicy foods also can irritate your throat.

Knowing whether your sore throat is viral or bacterial is usually determined by symptoms. Viral sore throats usually consist of a cough, swelling in the throat, and runny nose whereas bacterial sore throats are typically accompanied with nausea and vomiting, stomach ache, and there is no cough.

Drink water, tea (herbal or decaf), broth, soup, and non-caffeinated sports drinks e.g. Gatorade. Hot tea with lemon and honey can help. Gargle with warm salt-water. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of regular table salt in 8 ounces (240 ml) of warm water, gargle for a few seconds, spit it out, then repeat a few times.

To reduce inflammation and the pain, you can take pain medication like ibuprofen or paracetamol after doctor consultation. In many cases, a sore throat can be treated using home remedies. The following tend to relieve the pain: Gargle with a mixture of warm water and salt (1 teaspoon).

For quick relief from throat tightness, over-the-counter (OTC) medications like antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroids can be useful. They can help reduce inflammation and ease allergy symptoms. Sucking on lozenges or hard candies can also provide temporary relief.

How to relieve a sore throat? ›

Cold Liquids and Popsicles

Warm salt water and hot tea help your throat, but so do cold liquids, ice chips and popsicles. Popsicles are especially helpful for young children - the cold acts as a temporary numbing agent to ease the discomfort.

Pharyngitis is caused by swelling in the back of the throat (pharynx) between the tonsils and the voice box (larynx). Most sore throats are caused by colds, the flu, coxsackie virus or mono (mononucleosis). Bacteria that can cause pharyngitis in some cases: Strep throat is caused by group A streptococcus.

Chronic pharyngitis is a persistent sore throat that lingers for a few weeks or returns frequently. Chronic pharyngitis may be caused by infection, environmental pollutants, allergies or acid reflux. Treatment involves addressing the underlying cause.

The following tips may help your sore throat feel better: Drink soothing liquids. You can either drink warm liquids, such as lemon tea with honey, or cold liquids, such as ice water.

If you have a persistent sore throat (one that lasts 3 to 4 weeks), you should see your GP who may refer you for further tests. This is because your sore throat may be a symptom of a more serious condition.

Strep throat — Although strep throat typically resolves on its own within two to five days, treatment with antibiotics is recommended for adults whose rapid test or throat culture is positive for strep throat. Penicillin, or an antibiotic related to penicillin, is the treatment of choice for strep throat.