Viruses and bacteria are two common causes of sore throats. Show VirusesMany sore throats are due to viral infections, such as:
If symptoms are severe, the person should speak with a doctor. However, a healthcare professional will not prescribe antibiotics for a virus. BacteriaStrep throat is a common type of throat infection due to exposure to a strain of Streptococcus bacterium. Symptoms include:
The person may need antibiotics to fight the infection and prevent complications. Without treatment, strep throat can increase the risk of rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation in children. Strep throat accounts for 20–30% of sore throats in children and around 10% in adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Other common causes of a sore throat include:
More severe but less common conditions that can involve a sore throat include:
Epiglottitis is a rare but potentially dangerous throat infection where inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis can close the airway, making it difficult to breathe. It is a medical emergency. Anyone with ongoing or severe symptoms should consult a doctor, as they may have an underlying condition that needs further treatment. The symptoms of a sore throat can vary depending on the exact cause. Common signs and symptoms include:
In childrenSore throats can affect any age group, but they are most common among children aged 5–15 years , according to the CDC. Strep throat is more common in children than in adults. The exact symptoms depend on the age, but, as well as a sore throat, they may include:
People with strep throat often have pain and fever without a cough. Before the age of 3 years, strep throat is uncommon. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics for strep throat to prevent future complications. Viral infections are the most frequent cause of sore throat in children. And while these infections will not respond to antibiotics, a doctor may prescribe treatment to relieve the discomfort. The symptoms of epiglottitis include:
If a child has these symptoms, they need immediate medical attention. In the past, epiglottitis was common, but since routine Haemophilus influenza type b vaccinations began in 1985, its yearly incidence in children has fallen by 99% to fewer than 1 in every 100,000 children. In adultsBacterial and viral infections are also common in adults. The symptoms and treatment are similar to those for children. Epiglottitis causes the same symptoms in adults as in children and requires needs emergency medical attention. Thie condition is rare, but the annual incidence in adults has risen since 1986 from one in every 100,000 people to around 2–3 adults every 100,000. Most sore throats go away on their own within 5–10 days, and home treatment is usually sufficient. Sometimes, however, medical treatment is necessary. The American Academy of Otolaryngology, Head, and Neck Surgery suggests that a person should consult a doctor if they have:
Taking a swabIf a doctor suspects a sore throat is bacterial, they may take a throat swab for testing to determine if a strep infection is present. The healthcare professional can take a sample by touching the back of the throat and tonsils with a cotton-tipped applicator. This can show quickly if group A Streptococcus is causing the infection. If the test is negative but the doctor still suspects strep throat, they may send a sample to a lab for a culture test, to see if bacteria grow over time. They may do this for teenagers and children, as they have a higher risk of developing rheumatic fever after a strep throat infection, but adults are unlikely to develop this. If the strep test is positive, a person may need prescription antibiotics. EBV testIf a doctor suspects EBV, they can recommend a blood test to confirm the condition. Find out more in our dedicated article. Other causesSometimes, a sore throat can develop for another reason, such as a tumor. If the problem does not go away, the doctor will perform more tests to find the cause. Most sore throats resolve without treatment after around a week, but this will depend on the cause. If a sore throat is due to a bacterial infection, a doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotics. People should always take the complete course, even if they feel better before finishing all the medication. Sore throats due to a viral infection do not usually need medical treatment. Acetaminophen or mild pain relievers may help with the pain and fever, and children can use pediatric versions of these medications. A pharmacist can advise which ones to use and correct dosages. It is important always to follow the instructions on any medication and not to take more than the guidelines suggest. A person with epiglottitis may need to spend time in the hospital. In severe cases, they may need intubation to help them breathe. If tests reveal a tumor or another cause, the doctor will discuss appropriate treatment options with the individual. A few home care strategies may help relieve sore throat symptoms, including:
Additionally, honey is not safe for children aged under 1 year due to the risk of botulism, a type of food poisoning. People should also avoid using tap water with neti pots, as there is a risk of infection. Ask a pharmacist which type of water to use. Soothing drinks for a sore throatConsuming warm liquids can help ease the discomfort from a sore throat. Drinks that people may consume include:
A 2019 study concluded that some herbal teas may help manage the symptoms of pharyngitis due to strep throat. These teas included:
Alternative remediesSome other home remedies may be useful, but they may not be safe for everyone. They include:
However, there is insufficient evidence to show that these are helpful. A 2017 study concluded that extracts of clove, ginger, danshen root, and echinacea flower may reduce the inflammation from strep throat. Zinc lozenges A 2015 review of three studies concluded that dissolving tablets containing a high dose of zinc acetate in the mouth may relieve symptoms of a common cold in adults, including a sore throat. However, more evidence is necessary to show that it is effective and safe in the long term. It can also have some adverse effects, including nausea and a bad taste in the mouth. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) says zinc lozenges may help manage a common cold if people start using them within 24 hours of symptoms appearing. However, the NCCIH advises people not to use zinc lozenges for more than 2 weeks. Individuals should also avoid nasal zinc products, as these may lead to a permanent and severe loss of smell. Zinc may also interact with antibiotics, penicillamine, and other drugs. Always check with a doctor or health professional before taking any alternative remedies to make sure they are safe to use and will not interact with another medication. Learn more about home remedies for a sore throat. Some simple steps can help prevent infections that cause a sore throat. For example:
For updated news and research on COVID-19, click here. A sore throat can be uncomfortable, but most are not serious and usually go away without treatment. Home remedies and over-the-counter medication can soothe the symptoms. However, a person should speak with a doctor if symptoms are severe or persistent or they have difficulty breathing. If it is due to a bacterial infection, such as strep throat, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics. What is the main cause of throat infection?Of these, infections from viruses are the most common cause of sore throats. Strep throat is an infection in the throat and tonsils caused by bacteria. These bacteria are called group A Streptococcus (also called Streptococcus pyogenes).
How do you treat a throat infection?Rest, warm liquids, saltwater gargles, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help soothe the pain of a sore throat at home. Strep throat and other bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics.
How long can a throat infection last?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. If you don't take all of it, your sore throat could come back.
What does a throat infection feel like?strep throat (a bacterial throat infection) – you may also have swollen glands in your neck, discomfort when swallowing and tonsillitis. glandular fever – you may also feel very tired and have a fever and swollen glands in your neck.
|