Causes

Sore throats can be caused by:

• Low humidity in your home
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Winter dryness
• Smoke
• Allergies

Sore throats can also be caused by two types of infections: the more common viral infection and the less common—but more serious—bacterial infection known as strep throat.

Symptoms

Your symptoms may be an indication of which type of infection you have.

Viral Sore Throat

A viral infection:

• Usually causes a dry cough and light-colored mucus
• Is less likely to be accompanied by a fever
• Is often associated with a cold, flu, or hoarseness

Strep Throat

Indications that you have strep throat include:

• Very red throat with white spots
• Swollen neck glands
• Fever above 101°F
• No cough or runny nose

If you have symptoms of strep throat, you should see your doctor for a strep test. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have recently been exposed to someone with strep.

Treatment

Viral sore throats will usually go away in a few days, but up to 7 to 10 days is not uncommon. They do not need to be treated with antibiotics.

If you have strep throat, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. You will begin to feel better after about a day of taking your medication, but you need to take all your medication exactly as prescribed to prevent possible complications. It’s easy to spread the strep bacteria to other people, so you should stay home until you’ve taken the medication for 24 hours and are no longer contagious.

Self-Care

• Gargle with warm saltwater every couple of hours. Use ¼ teaspoon of table salt in an 8-ounce glass of water. This will help lessen the irritation that is causing your throat to feel sore.
• Suck on popsicles or other frozen desserts. They will feel good on your throat and help you get enough liquids. Older children and adults can also suck on throat lozenges (cough drops), hard candy, or ice and gargle with saltwater.
• Drink more liquids. Make sure you are drinking 8 to 10 glasses each day. Juice and water are best. Warm liquids are soothing to the back of your throat.
• Use acetaminophen (Tylenol or a generic) or ibuprofen for a fever or other aches. Do not use aspirin for children under 18, because it may increase their risk of Reye’s syndrome. Adults may take aspirin.
• Get extra rest. It helps your body get rid of the virus or bacteria that is causing the infection.