From the Guidelines
To alleviate a sore throat and support your immune system, start with adequate hydration and over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as recommended by the European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases 1.
Key Recommendations
- Drink warm liquids like herbal teas with honey and lemon to soothe irritation and provide antioxidants.
- Use over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to reduce pain and inflammation; follow package directions for dosing.
- Perform salt water gargles (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon in 8 ounces of warm water) several times daily to reduce swelling and clear mucus.
- Ensure adequate rest and sleep to allow your body to heal effectively.
- Humidify your environment to prevent throat dryness, and avoid irritants like smoking and alcohol to speed recovery.
Important Considerations
- Zinc gluconate is not recommended for use in sore throat 1.
- There is inconsistent evidence of herbal treatments and acupuncture as treatments for sore throat 1.
- Antibiotics should not be used in patients with less severe presentation of sore throat, e.g., 0–2 Centor criteria, to relieve symptoms 1.
- If antibiotics are indicated, penicillin V, twice or three times daily for 10 days, is recommended 1.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If symptoms persist beyond 7 days, are accompanied by high fever, or include difficulty breathing or swallowing, seek medical attention as these may indicate a bacterial infection requiring antibiotics.
From the Research
Immune Support for Sore Throat
To alleviate a sore throat, several methods can be employed for immune support. These include:
- Using lozenges that have virucidal effects against respiratory viruses, such as those containing amylmetacresol and 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol (AMC/DCBA) or hexylresorcinol, as they can provide symptomatic relief and potentially reduce the viral load in the throat 2.
- Employing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIAs) for pain relief, as they have been shown to be effective in relieving pharyngitis pain better than acetaminophen 3.
- Utilizing antibiotics judiciously, particularly in cases where the sore throat is caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal (GAS) infection, as they can reduce the duration and severity of symptoms, as well as the risk of complications such as acute rheumatic fever 4, 5, 6.
- Adopting a structured approach to sore throat management, which includes identifying and addressing patient expectations and concerns, assessing the severity of the condition, and counseling patients on effective self-management options, to drive patient confidence in self-care and encourage the acceptance of the self-limiting character of the illness 4.
Considerations for Antibiotic Use
When considering the use of antibiotics for sore throat, it is essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risks of antimicrobial resistance. The evidence suggests that antibiotics can reduce the symptoms and duration of sore throat, particularly in cases of bacterial origin, but the effect on symptoms can be small, and the potential hazards of antimicrobial resistance must be recognized 6.
Self-Care and Symptomatic Relief
For most cases of sore throat, which are self-limiting and of viral origin, self-care and symptomatic relief measures are recommended. These can include rest, hydration, and the use of over-the-counter medications such as NSAIAs or lozenges to alleviate pain and discomfort 2, 3.