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Sore throat is characterized by the pain, irritation, and scratchiness in the throat that worsens when you try to swallow. It is one of the most common issues caused by several medical conditions. Pain in the throat is one of the most common symptoms of sore throat. Pharyngitis is the most common form of sore throat, usually caused by a viral infection. The sore throat caused by a viral infection usually subsides on its own. However, the less common form of sore throat, known as strep throat, caused by the Streptococcus bacteria, requires treatment with antibiotics.

A sore throat can occur due to viral infections, bacterial infections, and injuries. The causes of sore throat are listed below:

• Viral infections, including common cold and flu.
• Bacterial infections, including strep throat.
• Allergies.
• Dry air.
• Irritants, including chemicals and smoke.
• Muscle strain.
• Injuries.
• Tumors.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
• HIV infections.

You will quickly come to know if you have a sore throat because it always starts with pain and scratchiness in the throat. The other signs that make you aware of a sore throat are listed below:

• Pain during talking and swallowing.
• Difficult in swallowing foods.
• The glands in the neck and the jaws become sore and swollen.
• The tonsils appear red and swollen.
• Hoarseness of the voice.
• Pus or white patches on the tonsils.

Sore throat is not complicated, so it can be easily cured with or without antibiotics. The treatment entirely depends upon the cause and the severity of the condition. For example, if you have a sore throat due to a viral infection, you will quickly get rid of it in five to seven days without medical treatment. However, if your sore throat is due to a bacterial infection, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics because antibiotics only treat bacterial infections, not viral ones. Home remedies like a warm saline gargle, a cool mist humidifier, and drinking herbal teas can also help cure sore throat.

You can avail certain prescription drugs for sore throat via iCliniq First. However, please note that we only prescribe specific drugs, and only for eligible patients. For more information on available drug options or your eligibility for them, consult a doctor at iCliniq First.

Many over-the-counter medications may be available to you; while some may work, others may not. However, do not use every product you come across because many will do nothing to help. Over-the-counter medications like Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, and Aspirin can be used to treat the pain and inflammation due to sore throat. Throat lozenges and cough syrups are available over-the-counter if other symptoms like cough accompany the sore throat. Consider consulting a doctor for prescription medications that work better for your condition than over-the-counter products.

Sore throat treatment may vary depending on the type, severity, and individual factors. If you’re concerned or confused, speak with one of our doctors, who will provide you with an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan. The doctor might recommend antibiotics if you have a sore throat or bacterial infection. The doctor might recommend some antacids if your sore throat is due to underlying medical conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease. Antibiotics, home remedies, and herbal teas are also effective against sore throat. If you have been using a bunch of over-the-counter products for over three weeks without any improvement, reach out to a healthcare provider for a healthier and better recovery.

The duration of sore throat varies according to the causes. For instance, the sore throat that occurs due to viral infection, known as pharyngitis, can be acute or chronic. If the underlying cause is addressed immediately, the sore throat usually subsides in 3 to 10 days. However, the sore throat caused by allergies, irritants, smoke, bacterial infections, and other causes usually last long. The infection persists until the patient completes the entire course of antibiotics.

Sore throat or pain at the back of the throat can be caused by bacterial infections, viral infections, and other factors. When the Streptococcus bacteria cause a sore throat, it is known as strep throat. It can cause painful and acute sore throat. Sore throat is accompanied by earache when the bacteria from the throat enter the eustachian tubes and the middle ear. As a result, the patient experiences an ear infection characterized by ear pain.

Sore throat symptoms usually last long and can make swallowing and talking difficult. However, you can overcome sore throat quickly by following these remedies:

• Take rest and get plenty of sleep.
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
• Drink herbal teas.
• Consult a doctor and take antacids.
• Avoid acidic foods.
• Use a cool-mist humidifier to get moist air.
• Avoid going out.
• Do warm saline gargles.