What is the treatment for a sore throat?

From the Guidelines

For a sore throat, treatment should primarily include over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol to relieve symptoms, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. When managing a sore throat, it's essential to consider the cause, as most cases are viral and resolve within 7-10 days without antibiotics.

• Rest and staying hydrated are crucial for recovery.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or paracetamol can help reduce pain and inflammation, as suggested by the European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases 1.
• Gargling with warm salt water several times daily can provide temporary relief.
• Throat lozenges containing menthol or benzocaine can numb the throat and ease discomfort.
• Honey mixed in warm tea or taken by the spoonful can coat and soothe the throat, though it's essential to avoid giving honey to children under one year old. However, if the sore throat is severe, lasts longer than a week, is accompanied by difficulty breathing or swallowing, high fever, or if the patient has a weakened immune system, they should see a healthcare provider, as these may indicate strep throat or another bacterial infection requiring antibiotics, as advised by the American College of Physicians and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1.
• In cases of confirmed streptococcal pharyngitis, antibiotics like penicillin V may be prescribed, but the benefits must be weighed against potential side effects and the development of antibiotic resistance 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Uses temporarily relieves minor sore throat pain sore mouth minor mouth irritation pain associated with canker sores The treatment for a sore throat is temporary relief of minor sore throat pain using phenol (TOP) 2.

• Fast acting sore throat relief can be achieved with phenol (TOP) 2. Key words: sore throat, phenol, temporary relief.

From the Research

Treatment Options for Sore Throat

• The treatment for sore throat can be divided into two main categories: symptomatic relief and antibiotic treatment for bacterial infections 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
• For symptomatic relief, options include:
  • Over-the-counter analgesics such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, with ibuprofen showing a better benefit-risk profile 3, 4.
  • Local anesthetics like lidocain, benzocaine, and ambroxol, which can be recommended as first-line treatment 4.
  • Medicated throat lozenges used every two hours 5.
• For bacterial infections, such as Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal (GABHS) pharyngitis, antibiotic treatment is necessary:
  • First-line treatment includes a 10-day course of penicillin or amoxicillin 5.
  • Patients allergic to penicillin can be treated with first-generation cephalosporins, clindamycin, or macrolide antibiotics 5.
  • Antibiotics have been shown to reduce the duration and severity of symptoms, as well as the risk of complications such as acute rheumatic fever and acute otitis media 6, 7.

Considerations for Antibiotic Treatment

• Antibiotics should only be used when a bacterial infection is suspected or confirmed, as overuse can lead to antimicrobial resistance 6.
• The decision to use antibiotics should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the individual patient's symptoms, medical history, and the potential risks and benefits of treatment 6.
• Rapid testing, such as a rapid antigen detection test, can help determine whether a sore throat is caused by a bacterial infection and guide treatment decisions 5, 7.