When to Worry About a Sore Throat

Having a sore throat can be uncomfortable and downright miserable. Throat pain can be caused by a number of ailments. Some causes, like flu and cough, strep throat, and laryngitis, are temporary and often resolve on their own. Typically, a sore throat makes it painful to swallow, making it difficult to eat and drink.  

Sore throats are very common. While viral infections are the most common cause, severe or persistent pain may be indicative of a more serious problem. If your sore throat symptoms and pain last longer than 3 weeks or if you are concerned, visit your local doctor. 

 Causes of Throat Pain 

There are many possible causes of throat pain (see below), many of which can be treated with over-the-counter medications and/or home remedies. Others may require a visit to your General Practitioner for a prescribed medication such as antibiotics. In some cases, surgery or further treatment may be recommended by your GP. 

  • Viral Infections 
  • Bacterial Infections 
  • Sinus Infections 
  • Allergies 

Acid Reflux Medication 

  • Acid Reflux 
  • Environmental Irritants 
  • Laryngitis 
  • Surgery or Other Medical Procedures 
  • Throat Cancer 

  Throat Infection Symptoms    

  • Pain or a scratchy sensation in the throat. 
  • Pain that worsens with swallowing or talking. 
  • Difficulty swallowing. 
  • Sore, swollen glands in your neck or jaw.
  • Swollen, red tonsils. 
  • White patches or pus on your tonsils. 
  • A hoarse or muffled voice. 

Sore Throat Treatment  

Home Remedies 

A sore throat can be treated with a variety of home remedies from natural ingredients that have some medicinal and healing effects on a sore throat. Here are a few things you can try that will bring you instant relief from painful and irritating throat symptoms.  

  • Lemon, Honey, Ginger Tea
  • Saltwater gargle
  • Chamomile tea
  • Peppermint
  • Baking soda gargle
  • Fenugreek
  • Marshmallow root
  • Licorice root
  • Slippery elm
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Garlic

  Medications 

There are a variety of medications available for treating sore throat pain. If you are looking for how to cure a sore throat fast, here are a few effective treatments.  

Antibiotics 

Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections like strep throat. This treatment may be a one-time injection or oral antibiotics taken over a period of time. 

Antihistamines 

Antihistamines can help your allergy symptoms. When you contact an allergen like pollen, mold, or dander, your body releases histamine. Histamine plays a role in the sensation of pain, so taking an antihistamine can help with an allergy-related sore throat. Over-the-counter antihistamines include: 

  • Zyrtec
  • Claritin
  • Allegra

Acid Reflux Medication 

Pain Medication 

Pain medication can help control the pain from any type of sore throat. Over-the-counter options include: 

These medicines are very effective at controlling sore throat pain. 

If your sore throat pain is severe and/or the pain makes it hard to swallow, using an over-the-counter sore throat spray like Difflam can also help relieve your pain. Difflam throat spray is one of the best medicines for sore throats because it alleviates pain fast. It contains benzydamine hydrochloride to target problems associated with sore throat pain.  

  Online4Pharmacy has a wide range of medications available to treat sore throat pain. Visit us and shop online for the most affordable medications.