GotoAID - Sore Throat

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Sore Throat

A sore throat is an irritation in the throat that often makes it painful to swallow. It is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection.

Symptoms

Steps

Take aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen for an adult, or acetaminophen or ibuprofen for children, as recommended by your doctor for pain.

Gargle with mouthwash or salt water.

If you are an adult, spray a throat spray into the back of your throat

Brush your tongue and remember to rinse your toothbrush in mouthwash between brushings to kill bacteria.

Drink ice-cold beverages to ease the soreness in your throat

Use a humidifier or vaporizer or sit in a steamy shower or bath

Prevent dehydration and soothe an irritated throat by having hot fluids such as tea with honey and lemon or a bowl of soup

If symptoms persist for more than 5 days or increase in severity, seek medical attention.

Warnings

Antibiotics will only work for bacterial infections like strep throat and not viral like a sore throat

DO NOT smoke or be around second hand smoke

Make sure the person is not allergic to aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen

Tips

Suck on throat lozenges like Halls especially if they contain menthol, benzocaine or phenol, which help reduce pain.

Try to eat soft or liquid foods

Get lots of rest

Brush your tongue and remember to rinse your toothbrush in mouthwash between brushings to kill bacteria

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