A sore throat due to a bacterial infection, such asstrep throat, requires prescription antibiotics.
Recognizing sore throat symptoms and using treatments available without a prescription can help you more effectively manage them.
OTC medications can provide symptom relief without requiring a visit to a healthcare provider.
Getty Images /Mariia Drobiazko
These remedies work to help reduce pain and soothe throat irritation.
Treating a Sore Throat
The medications mentioned below can be used for sore throat symptom relief.
They will not treat the underlying cause of the sore throat.
If your sore throat is brought on by a virusthe most common causeantibiotics will not help.
Pain Relievers
Pain relieversare essential for managing pain and discomfort associated with a sore throat.
Both Tylenol andnonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)are effective at reducing pain and are well-tolerated.
Underlying health conditions should be considered when choosing which pain reliever to take.
Numbing products provide short-term relief for sore throat and should not be used long-term.
Numbing sprays are just as effective as hard candies or lozenges.
However, lozenges may last longer than sprays.
They create a protective coating in the throat to help minimize irritation and discomfort.
Glycerol (glycerin) is a common ingredient found in these products.
Its moisturizing properties help soothe inflammation associated with a sore throat.
Additional ingredients such as honey and lemon may be combined with demulcents.
Antihistamines
Antihistamineshelp prevent the body from releasing chemicals (histamines) that cause allergic reactions.
They can be useful in treating sore throats related to seasonal allergies.
Taking an antihistamine at night can help with symptoms that often peak early in the morning.
Other Sore Throat Remedies
Nondrugremedies for sore throatoffer a holistic approach to managing discomfort and alleviating symptoms.
How Can I Reduce My Chances of Getting a Sore Throat?
Avoid blowing your nose or coughing directly into your hand to prevent the spread of infection.
How Long Can a Sore Throat Last?
How long a sore throat lasts can vary depending on the underlying cause.
Typically, sore throats because of viral infections like the common cold or flu will resolve within a week.
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