• Facts about sore throats
• Tips on easing sore throat discomfort
• Facts about strep throat
• When to call your doctor

Facts about sore throats

• Sore throats can be caused by viruses, bacteria, colds and allergies.
  
• They can cause your throat to be irritated, red and even swollen.
  
• Sore throats are not treatable with antibiotics unless it is bacterial.

Back to top

Tips on easing sore throat discomfort

• Keep your throat lubricated by drinking plenty of fluids, water is best.
  
• Run a cool-air humidifier in your room during sleep.
  
• Use cough drops, throat lozenges, hard candy, frozen juice bars and ice chips.
  
• Gargle every couple hours with ¼ teaspoon table salt in a cup of warm water.
  
• Use an over the counter anesthetic spray.
  
• Drink at least 6 glasses of clear liquids daily.
  
• Most over the counter pain relievers work well for sore throats. Do not give aspirin to children under 18 years.
  
• For sore throats caused by allergies, try using antihistamines.
  
• If a wet cough is causing your sore throat, try an over the counter cough suppressant.

Back to top

Facts about strep throat

• Strep throat is an infection caused by the streptococcal bacteria and is treatable with antibiotics.
  
• Adults with strep throat usually do not have a cough or a runny nose.
  
• Children who have strep may have a stomach ache and a rash with red spots.
  
• 90% of the time a sore throat is viral and cannot be treated with antibiotics.
  
• Strep throat is contagious until you have been treated with antibiotics for 1 to 3 days.
  
• Children should not return to school or day care until their fever is gone and they have been treated with antibiotics for at least 24 hours.

Back to top

When to call your doctor

CALL YOUR PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

• Severe hoarseness AND swollen glands in the jaw or neck.
  
• If you have been exposed to someone who has strep throat.
  
• A rash on your skin.
  
• Difficulty breathing.
  
• White spots on your throat.
  
• Great difficulty swallowing.
  
• A fever above 101 degrees.

Back to top