They usually go away with minimal treatment of symptoms in 10 days or less. At-home treatments and prescribed corticosteroids can reduce the discomfort of these sore throats, which typically go away when the underlying infection resolves. Unlike sore throats caused by other viruses, those associated with mononucleosis can last for as long as one month. Mononucleosis is an infectious viral disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Bacterial infections cause sore throats less often than viruses.
When they do occur, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics, such as penicillin or amoxicillin. Antibiotics can shorten the duration of a sore throat quickly. They may help reduce pain and inflammation within one to two days. When not taking antibiotics, bacterial infections and the sore throats they cause may last anywhere from a week to 10 days. Sore throats caused by bacteria can sometimes be associated with a more serious illness.
Sore throats caused by this condition may resolve within four to five days , but can then reoccur, along with other more serious symptoms. Strep throat is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus group A streptococcus. Strep throat typically requires treatment from a doctor and may require antibiotics. Once you begin antibiotic treatment, strep throat symptoms should dissipate quickly.
You may begin to feel relief from symptoms within one to two days. After beginning antibiotics, your symptoms should disappear completely within one week or less.
Postnasal drip can result in sore throats. Some common causes of postnasal drip include:. Sore throats caused by postnasal drip may be chronic. That means your throat may be sore until the underlying cause of the postnasal drip is treated.
In some cases, a sore throat which is due to a postnasal drip may be chronic. 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. You will probably have to see the doctor to get a prescription. This costs you time. If you take antibiotics when you don't need them, they may not work when you do need them.
Each time you take antibiotics, you are more likely to carry some bacteria that were not killed by the medicine. Over time, these bacteria get tougher and can cause longer and more serious infections. To treat them, you may need different, stronger, and more costly antibiotics.
How can you relieve a sore throat without antibiotics? Home treatment is often all you need to soothe a sore throat. Try these tips: Gargle often with warm salt water if you are age 8 or older.
This helps to reduce throat swelling and pain. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt in mL 8 ounces of warm water. Drink extra fluids to soothe your throat. Honey or lemon in weak tea may help. Don't give honey to children younger than 1 year of age.
Get plenty of rest. Take over-the-counter medicine such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve pain and reduce fever. Try throat lozenges that have a painkiller to numb your throat.
Regular cough drops may also help. Do not give these to children younger than 4 years of age. Try a decongestant. It can make breathing easier and relieve a runny nose and post-nasal drip, which can make your throat hurt. You can take it as a pill or as a nasal spray. Before you use this medicine, check the label. It may not be safe for young children or for people with certain health problems. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
Why might your doctor recommend taking antibiotics for a sore throat? Your doctor will do a throat culture or a rapid strep test to find out if you have strep throat. Compare your options. Compare Option 1 Take antibiotics Don't take antibiotics. Compare Option 2 Take antibiotics Don't take antibiotics.
Take antibiotics Take antibiotics You take an antibiotic, usually penicillin, for as long as your doctor prescribes. Or you may get a single shot of penicillin. 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. They'll only be prescribed if a GP thinks you could have a bacterial infection.
A severe or long-lasting sore throat could be something like strep throat a bacterial throat infection. The symptoms are similar for children, but children can also get a temperature and appear less active. Sore throats are usually caused by viruses like cold or flu or from smoking. Very occasionally they can be caused by bacteria.
Page last reviewed: 05 February Next review due: 05 February
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