What should you know about sore throat treatment?

A sore throat may come from a viral infection, bacterial infection, nasal drainage, dry air, smoke, voice strain or acid reflux. Most viral sore throats improve with supportive care, while antibiotics do not treat viruses. Strep throat is a bacterial condition that may require a test and prescribed medicine. Symptoms such as cough, blocked nose or hoarseness can help a clinician form a view, but they do not replace an examination when the illness is severe or unusual.

Sip water or warm fluids, rest your voice and select foods that are easy to swallow. Gargling with warm salt water may provide comfort for adults who can gargle safely. A pharmacist can help you choose a suitable pain reliever, throat spray or lozenge; follow the label and check interactions or restrictions. Antibiotics should only be taken when prescribed for a suspected or confirmed bacterial cause. Treating nasal allergy or reflux may help when those problems are driving repeated irritation.

Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, inability to swallow liquids or saliva, rapidly increasing throat or neck swelling, confusion or marked weakness. Contact a clinician when pain is intense, fever persists, dehydration is developing, symptoms keep returning, or improvement does not begin. Seek advice sooner for a young child or someone with a weakened immune system.

What cause best fits my symptoms? Do I need a throat test? Which medicines are safe with my health conditions, and what changes would mean I should return?