Sore throats are very common and usually nothing to worry about. They normally get better by themselves within a week. To help soothe a sore throat and shorten how long it lasts, you can: If you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people
until you feel better. Video: how to treat a sore throatThis video shows you how to treat a sore throat. Media last reviewed: 1 June 2020 A pharmacist can help with sore throatsYou can ask a pharmacist about ways of relieving the pain and discomfort of a sore throat, such as:
You can buy these treatments from a supermarket or from a pharmacist without a prescription. Information: Call your pharmacy or contact them online before going in person. You can get medicines delivered or ask someone to collect them. Find a pharmacy AntibioticsYou do not normally need antibiotics for a sore throat because they will not usually relieve your symptoms or speed up your recovery. They'll only be prescribed if a GP thinks you could have a bacterial infection. Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
A severe or long-lasting sore throat could be something like strep throat (a bacterial throat infection). Immediate action required: Call 999 if:You or your child:
Sore throat symptomsIf you have a sore throat you might have:
The symptoms are similar for children, but children can also get a temperature and appear less active. Causes of sore throatsSore throats are usually caused by viruses (like cold or flu) or from smoking. Very occasionally they can be caused by bacteria. A sore throat can also be caused by:
Page last reviewed: 05 February 2021 We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Overview Painful swallowing is relatively common. People of all ages may experience it. This symptom has many possible causes. Difficulty swallowing along with pain is generally a symptom of an infection or an allergic reaction. See your doctor if the pain is severe or if it interferes with eating, drinking, or breathing. Conditions that cause painful swallowing can lead to complications such as:
You may experience the following symptoms along with painful swallowing if you have an infection:
Call your child’s pediatrician if they experience the following symptoms along with painful swallowing:
Go to the hospital right away if you’re an adult and experience the following symptoms:
Schedule an appointment with your doctor if your painful swallowing occurs along with any of the following:
Always call your doctor if you’re experiencing any other symptoms that concern you. When visiting your doctor, make sure to mention every symptom you’re experiencing. You should also tell them if any symptoms are new or getting worse. Describing all of your symptoms will help your doctor determine the cause of your pain. If a physical examination isn’t enough to determine a diagnosis, your doctor may order certain tests, such as the following:
Barium swallow testA barium swallow test includes a series of X-rays of your esophagus. You get the X-rays after you swallow a special liquid containing a harmless element called barium. Barium temporarily coats your esophagus and shows up on an X-ray, allowing your doctor to trace the pathway of your food. The barium swallow test can show your doctor whether food is traveling from your mouth to your stomach properly. Treatment for painful swallowing can vary depending on the cause of the pain. Your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics to treat infections of the throat, tonsils, or esophagus. Your doctor may give you a mouthwash that can numb your throat while you take oral antibiotics. This numbing agent helps to block any pain you may feel when swallowing the pill. For severe pain, a throat spray can help numb the pain. Your doctor may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation in the esophagus, throat, or tonsils. If you frequently experience painful swallowing due to recurring tonsillitis or if your tonsillitis doesn’t respond to medication, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove your tonsils. This surgery is called a tonsillectomy. It’s an outpatient procedure, which means you can go home the same day as the surgery. You and your doctor can discuss your risks and determine whether a tonsillectomy is appropriate for your condition. Home remediesOver-the-counter (OTC) antacids may relieve swelling in the esophagus due to acid reflux. However, your doctor will prescribe medications that are specifically designed to provide relief from symptoms if you have chronic acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Taking OTC antacids sometimes isn’t enough to treat the symptoms of GERD. Other treatments you can try at home include the following:
Breathe in moist airA humidifier is a machine that converts water to moisture that slowly fills the air. A humidifier increases the humidity in a room. Breathing in this moist air can ease throat inflammation and provide relief from a sore throat. Taking a hot shower also has a similar effect. Try herbal lozenges and teas.Though they haven’t been scientifically proven to ease sore throats, herbal lozenges and teas can reduce throat pain. Examples include sage, licorice root, and honeysuckle flower. You may able to find these at your local drugstore or health food store. Try OTC medication and home remedies to ease your pain. You may have an infection or temporary illness that you can treat effectively at home. However, you should call your doctor if your pain becomes more severe or if your pain doesn’t subside within three days. You should also contact your doctor if you’re experiencing any other symptoms that concern you. You can book an appointment with a primary care provider in your area using our Healthline FindCare tool. Wash your hands regularly and to avoid sharing eating utensils or drinking glasses with other people to prevent spreading any possible infection. Staying hydrated and getting plenty of rest are also important for ensuring your recovery. How do I stop my throat from hurting when I swallow?Sore Throat Relief. Try hot tea with lemon or some hot soup.. Keep your throat moist with lozenges or hard candies.. Gargle with warm salt water or use ice chips.. Cold liquids or popsicles can numb the pain. Throat sprays and over-the-counter pain relievers can help, too.. Why is my throat so painful when I swallow?Most sore throats are caused by viruses, such as the cold or flu virus. Some of the more serious causes of sore throat include tonsillitis, strep throat, and mononucleosis (mono). Other causes include smoking, mouth breathing at night while you sleep, pollution, and allergies to pets, pollens and molds.
|