If a doctor suspect EBV, they can recommend a blood test to confirm this. Find out more in our dedicated article. Sometimes, a sore throat can happen for another reason, such as a tumor. If the problem does not go away, the doctor will do more investigations to find the cause. Bacterial infection : In the case of a bacterial infection, such as strep throat, a doctor may prescribe an antibiotic. People should always take the complete course, even if they feel better before finishing all the medication.
Viral infection : Sore throats due to a viral infection usually start to improve within 7 days and do not require medical treatment. Acetaminophen or mild pain relievers may help with the pain and fever. Children can use pediatric versions of these. A pharmacist can advise which ones to use and how much. It is important always to follow the instructions on the medication and not to take more than they suggest. A person with epiglottitis or may need to spend time in the hospital. In severe cases, they may need intubation to help them breathe.
If investigations reveal a tumor or another cause, the doctor will discuss appropriate treatment options with the individual. Honey is not safe for children aged under 1 year, due to the risk of botulism , a type of food poisoning.
A review of three studies published in 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 needed to show that it works and that it is safe in the long term. It can also have some adverse effects, including nausea and a bad taste in the mouth. Zinc nasal sprays are also available, but some people have experienced a permanent loss of smell after using them.
Children should not use these products. Some of these may be useful because of their possible anti-inflammatory properties. However, there is a lack of evidence to prove that many these treatments are effective or safe.
Some, such as vitamin C, will have no additional effect once a person has a cold. Fortunately, this condition can be mitigated with over-the-counter remedies and conservative therapies.
Still, there are instances where a patient will need to see a physician about their sore throat, which is something we will discuss today. First and foremost, if you develop a sore throat, you may want to try the following at-home remedies to see if it goes away on its own. These treatment options typically include:. While these treatments can be incredibly effective at combating a common cold, sore throat combination, it may not be enough to heal you completely.
These remedies usually only work for sore throats caused by viruses that the body can fight off itself. If you have a bacterial infection, you may need an antibiotic to kill off the bacteria wreaking havoc in your body.
Also see a doctor if you or your child have any of the following: Difficulty breathing Difficulty swallowing Blood in saliva or phlegm Excessive drooling in young children Dehydration Joint swelling and pain Rash This list is not all-inclusive.
Treatment A doctor will determine what type of illness you have by asking about symptoms and doing a physical examination. Over-the-Counter Medicine and Children Be careful about giving over-the-counter medicines to children. Pain relievers: Children younger than 6 months: only give acetaminophen. Children 6 months or older: it is OK to give acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Cough and cold medicines: Children younger than 4 years old: do not use unless a doctor specifically tells you to.
Use of over-the-counter cough and cold medicines in young children can result in serious and potentially life-threatening side effects. Prevention You can help prevent sore throats by doing your best to stay healthy and keep others healthy, including: Clean your hands. Avoid close contact with people who have sore throats, colds, or other upper respiratory infections. Top of Page. To receive email updates about this page, enter your email address: Email Address.
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