Sore Throat

Most sore throats are caused by viruses or environmental conditions. They can be annoying, but they will usually get better with a few simple self-care steps.

Environmental causes of sore or irritated throat include low humidity in your home, not drinking enough fluids, winter dryness, smoke and allergies. Sore throats cause by infection may be either viral or bacterial. The only common bacterial cause of sore throat is streptococcus, causing the infamous strep throat.

What to Do for a Viral Sore Throat

A sore throat caused by a viral infection usually causes a dry cough and light-colored mucus. It is less likely to be accompanied by a fever and often is associated with a cold, flu or hoarseness. Many viral infections have symptoms similar to strep; if you suspect strep throat, see your health care provider for a strep test. Viral sore throats will usually go away in a few days, but they may take seven to 10 days. They do not need to be treated with antibiotics.

What to Do for Streptococcal Sore Throat

Streptococcal sore throat is relatively common in children younger than 12, but relatively uncommon in adults. Symptoms for strep throat include a very red throat with white spots, swollen neck glands and a fever above 101 F, although not all of these symptoms need be present. In addition, young children with strep throat may complain of abdominal pain. Strep throat does not usually cause a cough or runny nose. If you suspect that you have 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.

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 such as scarlet fever, acute rheumatic fever or glomerulonephritis. 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 infectious.

Self-Care Steps for Sore Throat

• Gargle with warm saltwater every couple of hours. Use 1/4 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 ice pops 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 or ibuprofen for a fever or other aches. Do not use aspirin for children, 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.