Health Topics for Prepare for Emergencies

Department of Emergency Medicine

Emergency Medical Services Learning Resources Center

Sore throat

Sore throat is a common symptom that ranges in severity from simple scratchiness to severe pain. Sore throats commonly occur with colds or the flu. Many sore throats can be easily spread from one person to another.

Causes of sore throat include:

• viral or bacterial infections
• allergies
• exposure to irritants, such as smoking cigarettes, second hand smoke, fumes or alcoholic drinks
• dry environments
• gastric reflux or
• abnormal growths in the throat

There are several simple methods to help relieve the pain of a sore throat:

• gargle with a commercial mouthwash or a saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon of salt per 8-ounce glass of warm water) *
• suck a throat lozenge
• rest your throat by talking less and drinking more fluids
• use a humidifier in the bedroom or breathe the steam from hot water, like in a hot shower or over a sink of hot water and
• take acetaminophen or ibuprofen

Aspirin or medicines that have aspirin in them should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years of age. Taking aspirin is a risk for a serious illness called Reye's syndrome. Non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be taken with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. NSAIDs should be avoided by anyone who has been diagnosed with asthma, ulcer disease, or a bleeding disorder. Taking NSAIDs increases the risk of bleeding with trauma, dental work, surgery, or if taking blood thinners (anticoagulants).

Acetaminophen should not be taken by anyone with known liver or kidney disease. Do not drink alcohol when taking more than 1 dose of acetaminophen.

Seek the advice of a healthcare provider if:

• a sore throat lasts more than seven days
• swallowing is difficult
• catching your breath is difficult
• a high temperature, 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit (38.6 degrees Centigrade) or higher
• lymph nodes swell in the neck
• an earache or joint pains develop
• rash or
• hoarseness lasting over 2 weeks

If your provider prescribes an antibiotic, be sure to take it as directed for the full time, usually about 10 days. If the antibiotic is not taken for the full course, the symptoms may improve but the infection will not be gone, and it can return.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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