Sore throats can be painful and annoying. Fortunately, most sore throats are caused by a minor illness and go away without medical treatment.
Several conditions can cause a sore throat.
Viral infections
Many sore throats are caused by a viral illness, such as:
The common cold, the most common type of viral infection.
* Infection of the voice box (laryngitis)
* Mononucleosis (mono, "the kissing disease"), a viral infection that tends to cause a persistent sore throat.
* Other viral infections, such as mumps, herpangina, or influenza.
Bacterial infections
A bacterial infection may also cause a sore throat. This can occur from:
* Strep throat, which usually does not occur with congestion or a cough.
* An inflammation or infection of the tonsils (tonsillitis) and sometimes the adenoids (adenoiditis).
* Inflammation of the epiglottis (epiglottitis).
* Inflammation of the uvula (uvulitis).
In rare cases, a sexually transmitted disease (STD), such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. If you have engaged in high-risk sexual behavior, consider whether gonorrhea or chlamydia may be present. For more information, see the topic Exposure to Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
Irritants and injuries
A sore throat that lasts longer than a week is often caused by irritants or an injuries, such as:
* Throat irritation from low humidity, smoking, air pollution, yelling, or nasal drainage down the back of the throat (postnasal drip).
* Breathing through the mouth when you have allergies or a stuffy nose.
* Stomach acid that backs up into the throat, which may be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Although this often occurs with heartburn, an acid taste in the mouth, or a cough, sometimes a sore throat is the only symptom.
* An injury to the back of the throat, such as a cut or puncture from falling with a pointed object in the mouth.
* Chronic fatigue syndrome, a condition that causes extreme tiredness.
Treatment for a sore throat depends on the cause. You may be able to use home treatment to obtain relief.
Because viral illnesses are the most common cause of a sore throat, it is important not to use antibiotics to treat them. Antibiotics do not alter the course of viral infections. Unnecessary use of an antibiotic exposes you to the risks of an allergic reaction and antibiotic side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, and yeast infections. Antibiotics also may kill beneficial bacteria and encourage the development of dangerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Review the Emergencies and Check Your Symptoms sections to determine if and when you need to see a doctor.
Emergencies
Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call your doctor or other emergency services immediately.
* Moderate to severe difficulty breathing:
* In a child
* In an adult and older child
* Rapid swelling of the throat or tongue
* Drooling develops with difficulty breathing or the inability to cry or make sounds. This can be caused by epiglottitis.
Severe dehydration:
* In a child
* In an adult and older child
Home Treatment
Home treatment is usually all that is needed for a sore throat caused by a virus. These tips may help you feel better.
* Gargle with warm salt water to help reduce swelling and relieve discomfort:
* Gargle at least once each hour with 1 tsp (5 g) of salt dissolved in 8 fl oz (237 mL) of warm water.
* If you have postnasal drip, gargle often to prevent more throat irritation.
* Prevent dehydration. Fluids may help thin secretions and soothe an irritated throat. Hot fluids, such as tea or soup, may help decrease throat irritation.
* Use a vaporizer or humidifier in your bedroom.
* Warm or cool mist may help you feel more comfortable by soothing the swollen air passages. It may also relieve hoarseness. However, don't let your room become uncomfortably cold or very damp.
* Use a shallow pan of water to provide moisture in the air through evaporation if you don't have a humidifier. Place the pan in a safe location where no one will trip on it or fall into it.
* Do not smoke or use other tobacco products and avoid secondhand smoke. For more information, see the topic Quitting Tobacco Use.
* If you suspect that problems with stomach acid may be causing your sore throat, see the topic Heartburn.
* Consider taking nonprescription medicine for your symptoms.
* Use nonprescription throat lozenges.
* Some nonprescription throat lozenges, such as Sucrets Maximum Strength or Spec-T, are safe and effective and have medicine (local anesthetic) that numbs the throat to soothe pain.
* Regular cough drops may also help.
* Use a decongestant.
* Decongestants make breathing easier by shrinking swollen mucous membranes in the nose, allowing air to pass through. They also help relieve a runny nose and postnasal drip, which can cause a sore throat.
* Decongestants can be taken orally or used as decongestant nasal sprays. Oral decongestants (pills) are probably more effective and provide longer relief but may cause more side effects.
* Don't give decongestants to a child younger than 2 unless you've checked with the doctor first. If your child’s doctor tells you to give a medicine, be sure to follow what he or she tells you to do.
