What makes throat sore go away

Most sore throats are caused by viral infections such as the common cold or the flu. These throat problems are generally minor and go away on their own. To soothe your irritated throat, keep it moist. Valerie Riddle, an infectious disease expert at NIH. For young children who might choke on hard candies or lozenges, try cold liquids and popsicles. These symptoms could be signs of a bacterial infection, such as strep throat.

Taking antibiotics Prescription medications used to treat bacterial infections such as strep throat. Strep is the most common bacterial throat infection. Your poor, sore throat.

Is there anything that can help? A sore throat makes it more difficult to eat, drink, sleep, talk and generally function — and who wants that? Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.

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If a bacterial infection like strep or allergies is the culprit, your sore throat could last longer if not treated with appropriate antibiotics or medications. In the meantime, try some of Dr. Sip on warm drinks, like tea or chicken soup. Or try cold liquids, such as ice water or popsicles. It depends on your preference and what soothes your throat best.

Finally, coughing is another thing that can make a sore throat linger. While coughing is a natural human reaction, do your best to suppress these coughs. Basic cough medicine is a terrific way to regulate this without resorting to stronger pills. Cures Curing a chronic sore throat can often require professional help. These individuals are highly specialized in the field and know exactly how to get you back in shape.

Our sore throat doctor Los Angeles or a throat infection specialist are two great options. Failure to take all of the medication as directed can result in the infection worsening or spreading to other parts of the body. Not completing the full course of antibiotics to treat strep throat can increase a child's risk of rheumatic fever or serious kidney inflammation.

If a sore throat is a symptom of a condition other than a viral or bacterial infection, other treatments will likely be considered depending on the diagnosis.

Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition. Regardless of the cause of your sore throat, these at-home care strategies can help you ease your or your child's symptoms:. Although several alternative treatments are commonly used to soothe a sore throat, evidence is limited about what works.

If you or your child needs an antibiotic for a bacterial infection, don't rely on alternative treatments alone. Check with your doctor before using any herbal remedies, as they can interact with prescription medications and may not be safe for children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people with certain health conditions.

Herbal or alternative products for a sore throat are often packaged as teas, sprays or lozenges. Common alternative remedies include:. If you or your child has a sore throat, make an appointment with your family doctor or your child's pediatrician. In some cases, you may be referred to a specialist in ear, nose and throat ENT disorders or an allergy specialist allergist. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.

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Diagnosis Your or your child's doctor may review the symptoms and medical history.