You want relief when your throat is scratchy and even talking hurts. Learn more about why your throat hurts and how to feel better.
The Various Sore Throat Causes
Sore throats are caused by many factors, but the most common cause is a viral infection, like a cold or the flu. Because antibiotics can't effectively treat a viral infection, you will usually feel better with home treatment after a few days—typically five to seven. Other illnesses can cause sore throats, including bacterial infections (such as the common strep throat), which do respond to antibiotics.
Other conditions for which a sore throat may be a symptom include laryngitis, tonsillitis, and inflammation of the larynx and the tonsils, respectively. These causes are especially painful, as they often also restrict the airway.
Because a sore throat has many possible causes, it's important to see your doctor if your symptoms persist for more than 2 days, get worse, or are especially painful. Your doctor will likely perform a throat swab test if this is true. This test will detect whether or not the sore throat is caused by a bacterial infection or, sometimes, neither. This is a differential diagnosis: the rapid swab test can only detect the presence of a bacterial infection. If the test comes back negative, it is most likely that the sore throat was caused by a virus.
Sore Throat Symptoms
Common symptoms of sore throats include:
- Throat pain, especially when talking or swallowing
- Swollen, painful glands in the neck
- Inflamed tonsils
Depending on what is causing your sore throat, there may be additional symptoms, such as fever, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and other common cold and flu symptoms.
Soothing a Sore Throat
There are things you can do to soothe your sore throat without having to leave your house. If your throat is in pain, try:
- Gargling with salt water, try a solution of ½ tablespoon of salt to eight ounces of water
- Using a humidifier or vaporizer to keep your throat moist
- Placing a warm towel over your throat
- Eating ice cream, popsicles, or ice chips—anything cool
- Eating or drinking warm foods and liquids, such as tea with honey, soups, and broths
- Drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and thin any concurrent mucus
Does Mucinex® Help a Sore Throat?
If at-home remedies don't help, another line of treatment is over-the-counter medication. Mucinex® products within the Fast-Max®, Sinus-Max®, and Children's Mucinex® lines will help relieve sore throat pain and additional symptoms, including cough, chest congestion, and nasal congestion.
For example, adults who wish to treat sore throats as a result of a cold or flu can try Maximum Strength Fast-Max-Kickstart Severe Cold & Flu (All-in-One) and . These liquid medications provide a burst of menthol for instant cooling, while the medicines relieve cold symptoms.
Children with sore throats aged 6 and older may be given Children's FreeFrom™ Multi-Symptom Cold, Flu & Sore Throat. This liquid medication includes acetaminophen for sore throat pain relief.
For even more sore throat pain relief, check out Mucinex® medicated drops and throat spray.
InstaSoothe™ Sore Throat + Cough Relief drops are a powerful solution for soothing sore throats and relieving coughs. Infused with refreshing mint flavor, these medicated drops offer a 3-in-1 formula for fast-acting relief.
With active ingredients like dextromethorphan HBr (5 mg) and hexylresorcinol (2 mg) per lozenge, this product provides effective relief, allowing you to quickly get back to your day.
With its 3-in-1 action, InstaSoothe™ quickly numbs sore throat and mouth pain. The active ingredient, Hexylresorcinol (2.4 mg per lozenge), targets the source of the discomfort, offering you effective relief you can rely on.
Mucinex® InstaSoothe™ Sore Throat + Pain Relief drops are the solution for combating sore throat discomfort. With its soothing elderberry and wild cherry flavors, this advanced formula brings a burst of pain relief to your throat. Our 3-in-1 formula acts fast, numbing sore throat pain and allowing you to continue your day. Each medicated drop contains hexylresorcinol (2 mg), specifically formulated for sore throat pain relief.
Mucinex® InstaSoothe™ Sore Throat + Pain Relief Spray is a powerful spray that relieves sore throat and mouth pain. This convenient spray offers quick and targeted relief with its soothing cherry flavor. The easy-to-use formula effectively numbs sore throat pain, allowing you to resume your daily activities. This alcohol-free spray contains active ingredients benzocaine (7%) and menthol (1%), working together to relieve sore throat pain.
Always use OTC medications as directed.
Suppose a sore throat is caused by a bacterial infection. In that case, an antibiotic may be indicated to fully relieve the symptoms. If a sore throat persists for over 2 days, consult a doctor promptly. When prescribed an antibiotic, following your doctor's dosage is important.
Instructions and to finish your full course of treatment, even if the sore throat and other symptoms subside.
When to See Your Doctor About a Sore Throat
See your doctor for the most accurate diagnosis and more advanced treatment options if the sore throat persists.
Additionally, certain symptoms are experienced concurrently with a sore throat. In that case, a doctor should be seen to rule out a more serious condition:
- Headache, nausea, or vomiting
- Severe, persistent pain in the throat that does not respond to treatment by home remedy or OTC medication for more than 2 days
- Blood in productive cough phlegm
- Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or opening the mouth to eat or speak
- Other sinus pain, especially ear pain
- Body aches and joint pains
- Rash of unknown origin anywhere on the body
- High fever (over 101 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Voice change that persists (raspy, scratchy, etc.)
Again, treatment will depend on the cause of the persistent sore throat and any other accompanying symptoms. The doctor may start with a rapid swab test before moving on to additional symptom-specific testing.
Knowing About Sore Throat Causes and Relief
In conclusion, understanding sore throat causes, symptoms, and remedies can help you find relief and promote healing. While viral infections are the most common culprits, bacterial infections and other conditions may also be responsible. Remember to seek medical attention if symptoms persist, worsen, or are accompanied by severe pain or concerning symptoms.
You can soothe your sore throat and regain your comfort with proper care, including at-home remedies and, if necessary, OTC medications or prescribed antibiotics. Stay proactive in managing your health and consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment options.
