A sore throat may be the first symptom of a mild illness, such as a cold or the flu, or of more severe illnesses, such as mononucleosis, strep throat or scarlet fever. A sore throat that comes on suddenly is called acute pharyngitis. It can be caused by bacteria or viruses. A sore throat that lasts for a long time is called chronic pharyngitis. It occurs when a respiratory, sinus, or mouth infection spreads to the throat. Your health-care provider will ask about your symptoms and examine your throat.
Your provider also will examine you for signs of other illness, such as sinus, chest, or ear infections. Just by looking at your throat, it is often hard for your health-care provider to decide whether a virus or bacteria is causing your sore throat. Your provider may swab your throat to test for strep infection. Some providers have a rapid strep test they can do in the office and get results in a few minutes. Usually, no specific medical treatment is needed if a virus is causing the sore throat.
The throat most often gets better on its own within five to seven days. Antibiotic medicine does not cure viral pharyngitis. For acute pharyngitis caused by bacteria, your health-care provider may prescribe an antibiotic. For chronic pharyngitis, your provider will look for other causes.
Viral pharyngitis often goes away in five to seven days. If you have bacterial pharyngitis, you will feel better after you have taken antibiotics for two to three days. You must take your antibiotic even when you are feeling better.
Strep throat is a more serious type of sore throat. It is caused by bacteria called Streptococci. There are different types of streptococci. The type that causes serious sore throats and should be treated with antibiotics is called group A strep. Meaning the sore throat may persist until the underlying cause is addressed. If intubation is required during a surgery, you may experience a sore throat upon waking up.
When patients are intubated, an endotracheal tube is inserted through the mouth and down the throat to the airway. Intubation helps patients to breathe with a ventilator when they are unable to breathe on their own, which is common with surgery. In order to avoid a sore throat after surgery, be sure to drink plenty of fluids and avoid speaking. In many cases, the soreness should be gone within a day or two. Skip to content. Viral Infections and Sore Throats In most cases, sore throats are caused by a virus.
A sore throat can also be a symptom of other types of viral conditions such as chicken pox, croup, and the measles In the case of a sore throat which is caused by a virus, antibiotics are not required for treatment as they are typically resolved within about 10 days.
Sore Throats and Mononucleosis Compared to sore throats which are caused by other types of viruses, sore throats from mononucleosis can last up to a month. Sore Throats and Bacterial Infections It is far less common for a bacterial infection to cause a sore compared to viruses.
Although it is less common, bacterial infections can also cause a sore throat. In some cases, a person may require antibiotics to speed their recovery and help prevent complications. A person should see a doctor if they or their child experiences a persistent or recurrent sore throat or other worrying symptoms. Some causes of sore throats require prompt medical attention. A sore throat can make it difficult to eat and drink.
Which foods can give the body the nutrients it needs for healing without worsening the…. Most sore throats are treatable at home. This article looks at 15 home remedies that might soothe a sore throat, plus the science behind them. Sore throats are not usually serious, but soreness on just one side can indicate an underlying illness.
Read on to learn about causes and other…. Strep throat is caused by the Streptococcus pyogenes bacterium. Streptococcal bacteria are extremely contagious and can spread through airborne…. Many factors can cause a chronic sore throat, including allergies, smoking, and infections. In this article, we explore the possible causes and…. What can cause a sore throat, and how long does it last? Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.
Viral causes Bacterial causes Other causes Treatment When to see a doctor Summary A sore throat may feel scratchy or dry, and it can make swallowing painful. Viral causes of a sore throat. Share on Pinterest Viruses are a common cause of sore throats. Bacterial causes of a sore throat. Other causes of a sore throat. You take the full course of medicine, even if you start to feel better.
If your sore throat is caused by bacteria, such as with strep throat, antibiotics will shorten the time you are able to spread the infection to others.
The medicine may lower the risk of the bacterial infection spreading to other parts of your body, such your ears or sinuses. The medicine can also prevent serious but rare problems from strep throat, such as rheumatic fever in children. Antibiotics won't work for a sore throat caused by a virus. Side effects of antibiotics can include diarrhea, vomiting, and skin rashes. They may not make you well faster. Taking antibiotics too often or when you don't need them can be harmful.
The medicine may not work the next time you take it when you really do need it. Don't take antibiotics Don't take antibiotics You try home treatment for your sore throat. You can: Gargle with salt water. Take over-the-counter medicine such as aspirin or ibuprofen to relieve pain.
If your sore throat is caused by a virus, it will likely go away on its own in 4 to 5 days. If you have strep throat, which is caused by bacteria, it will likely go away on its own in 3 to 7 days. You save money on medicine. You don't have the side effects from antibiotics.
If your sore throat is caused by a virus, there are no risks or side effects of not taking antibiotics. If your sore throat is caused by bacteria: You may be sick a day or so longer than if you do take antibiotics. You have a higher risk of the infection spreading to other parts of your body, such as your ears or sinuses. You could make other people around you sick if you are still contagious.
Personal stories about taking antibiotics for sore throat These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. What matters most to you? Reasons to take antibiotics for a sore throat Reasons not to take antibiotics for a sore throat.
I'm not worried about the risk of taking antibiotics too often. I'm worried about the risks of taking antibiotics too often. I've had a sore throat for just a few days. My other important reasons: My other important reasons:. Where are you leaning now? Taking antibiotics NOT taking antibiotics. What else do you need to make your decision? Check the facts. Yes You're right. No Sorry, that's not right. I'm not sure It may help to go back and read "Get the Facts.
Yes Sorry, that's not right. No You're right. Decide what's next. Yes No. I'm ready to take action. I want to discuss the options with others. I want to learn more about my options. Your Summary. Your decision Next steps. Your knowledge of the facts Key concepts that you understood. Key concepts that may need review. Getting ready to act Patient choices. What matters to you. Print Summary.
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