Pharyngitis Treatment Overview
Care Plan
First steps to consider
- Most viral sore throats will get better on their own with home care.
- Treat with pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and soothing throat lozenges and sprays.
When you may need a provider
- You have fever, white spots or streaks on the back of your throat, or swollen lymph glands.
- Your child is not eating or drinking, losing weight, or their sore throat lasts more than a few days.
Emergency Care
Call 911 or go to the ER if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Swelling at the back of your throat
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Treat
When to see a healthcare provider
If you have a sore throat with other symptoms, like fever, white spots or streaks on the back of your throat, or swollen lymph glands, consider seeing a healthcare provider. You may have strep throat, which needs to be treated with antibiotics.
Call your pediatrician if your child is not eating or drinking, they’re losing weight, or if the sore throat lasts more than a few days.
You may also need to be tested for COVID.
What to expect from your visit
- If your doctor thinks you may have strep throat, they will do a strep test by swabbing the back of your throat. You may also need to get a COVID test.
- If you have strep throat, you will need to take antibiotics.
- If it’s a virus, be patient by giving it time to heal on its own. But your doctor may recommend OTC medication to help with the pain.
Types of sore throat providers
- A primary care provider can treat a sore throat.
How to treat a sore throat at home
If you have a sore throat (pharyngitis), you will need to give it time to get better (since antibiotics won’t help). But there are some at-home remedies that can help relieve a sore throat and cold symptoms. They may include rest and drinking lots of fluids, soothing lozenges, and OTC pain and cold medications.
Call your healthcare provider if you have certain symptoms, like fever, white spots or streaks on the back of your throat, or swollen lymph glands. You may have strep throat, which needs to be treated with antibiotics.
OTC treatments for sore throat (pharyngitis)
- Pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- Sore throat sprays and lozenges that contain menthol, benzocaine, or other soothing ingredients
- Honey can help soothe a sore throat. Honey should not be given to children under 1 year old.
- Zinc lozenges (Cold-Eeze) may reduce the severity and length of symptoms.
- Throat Coat is a tea with herbs that helps soothe a sore throat.
How can I get rid of a sore throat?
- Drink warm tea with honey.
- Drink lots of fluids.
- Gargle with salt water.
- Use a humidifier to reduce environmental dryness, which may soothe your throat.
- Avoid being exposed to cigarette smoke, which can irritate your throat.
FAQ