How many days does sore throat last?

A sore throat, or pharyngitis, is when the throat is red, swollen and painful, especially when you swallow. It happens when the back of the throat, called the pharynx, is inflamed. Usually, sore throats go away without treatment within 3 to 4 days.

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How long should sore throat last?

Sore throats are very common and usually nothing to worry about. They normally get better within a week. Most are caused by minor illnesses such as cold or flu and can be treated at home.

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Does a sore throat go away in 3 days?

Most sore throats go away within a few days. You should contact a healthcare provider if your sore throat lasts longer than a few days or if you have a sore throat and the following issues: Severe throat pain. Trouble breathing or swallowing.

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How long should a sore throat last before going to the doctor?

Viral sore throats typically show signs of improvement within five days. But if your symptoms don't improve or you have a fever of 101 or higher that lasts for a few days, it may be time to see your primary care physician.

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Should a sore throat last 5 days?

If you have a sore throat that lasts for more than five to seven days, you should see your doctor. While increasing your liquid intake, gargling with warm salt water, or taking over-the-counter pain relievers may help, if appropriate, your doctor may write you a prescription for an antibiotic.

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How long do sore throats last?

39 related questions found

How do I get rid of a sore throat quickly?

Sore Throat Relief
  1. Try hot tea with lemon or some hot soup.
  2. Keep your throat moist with lozenges or hard candies.
  3. Gargle with warm salt water or use ice chips.
  4. Cold liquids or popsicles can numb the pain. ...
  5. Use a humidifier or vaporizer, especially when sleeping, to keep air from getting too dry.

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Is 4 days too long for a sore throat?

“Sore throats are very common. While viral infections are the most common cause, severe or persistent pain may be indicative of a more serious problem. If your throat pain lasts longer than 3 weeks or if you are concerned, visit your local doctor.”

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How do I know if my sore throat is viral or bacterial?

Knowing whether your sore throat is viral or bacterial is usually determined by symptoms. Viral sore throats usually consist of a cough, swelling in the throat, and runny nose whereas bacterial sore throats are typically accompanied with nausea and vomiting, stomach ache, and there is no cough.

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What makes a sore throat worse?

Staying hydrated: When the throat becomes dry, it can hurt more. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommend keeping a sore throat moist by drinking plenty of fluid or sucking on lozenges. Humidity: Dry air can make sore throats feel worse. Using a humidifier to keep the air moist can provide some relief.

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Why is my sore throat not going away?

Chronic pharyngitis is a persistent sore throat that lingers for a few weeks or returns frequently. Chronic pharyngitis may be caused by infection, environmental pollutants, allergies or acid reflux.

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Why does my throat hurt but I'm not sick?

Breathing through your mouth — often because of chronic nasal congestion — also can cause a dry, sore throat. Irritants. Outdoor air pollution and indoor pollution such as tobacco smoke or chemicals can cause a chronic sore throat. Chewing tobacco, drinking alcohol and eating spicy foods also can irritate your throat.

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When should I be worried about a sore throat?

In most cases, your sore throat will improve with at-home treatment. However, it's time to see your doctor if a severe sore throat and a fever over 101 degrees lasts longer than one to two days; you have difficulty sleeping because your throat is blocked by swollen tonsils or adenoids; or a red rash appears.

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When I swallow it hurts?

Strep throat, epiglottitis, and esophagitis are some possible causes of pain when swallowing. Throat infections are one of the most common causes of pain when swallowing. These include strep throat, which is an infection with Streptococcal bacteria.

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Does paracetamol help sore throat?

A pharmacist can help with sore throats

You can ask a pharmacist about ways of relieving the pain and discomfort of a sore throat, such as: paracetamol or ibuprofen. medicated lozenges containing a local anaesthetic, antiseptic, or anti-inflammatory medicine.

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Does ibuprofen help sore throat?

If you have a sore throat, you can treat the pain with acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen. If the soreness in your throat is still there after two days, call your doctor.

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Does coronavirus sore throat last?

How long does a COVID-19 sore throat last? Most symptoms of COVID-19 last anywhere from several days to 2 weeks. But this can vary from person to person. COVID sore throat usually starts feeling better after a week, though it may take a little longer to completely go away.

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What not to drink with a sore throat?

Alcohol and caffeinated drinks like coffee are diuretics, which means that alcohol makes you pee more and can make your body more dehydrated. This is something you want to avoid when sick, so skip these drinks when you have a sore throat.

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What should I avoid with a sore throat?

Generally speaking, avoid fatty, spicy, or acidic foods as they can all increase irritation. You should also avoid crunchy or hard textured foods like dry toast or cereals, as they can scratch your already delicate throat.

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What drinks help sore throats?

Drink water, tea (herbal or decaf), broth, soup, and non-caffeinated sports drinks e.g. Gatorade. Hot tea with lemon and honey can help. Gargle with warm salt-water. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of regular table salt in 8 ounces (240 ml) of warm water, gargle for a few seconds, spit it out, then repeat a few times.

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Should I go to work with a sore throat?

The short, simple answer is DO NOT go to work if you have a sore throat, especially if you aren't sure why. A sore throat could mean the presence of an underlying infection.

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When is a sore throat the worst?

Strep throat symptoms are usually more severe than symptoms of a sore throat with a cold and may include the following: Sudden sore throat. Loss of appetite. Painful swallowing.

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Are sore throats contagious?

Two different germs cause sore throats – viruses and bacteria. They are both contagious and easily spread to others. The germs hang out in the nose and throat. When the infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, the germs go into the air.

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Why has my throat been sore for 5 days?

A chronic or persistent sore throat can result from smoking, allergies, infections, mouth breathing, and other causes. It can also stem from an underlying condition, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or cancer.

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How to sleep with a sore throat?

How to help a sore throat at night
  1. Have a steam inhalation before you go to bed. ...
  2. Sip water and avoid hot drinks. ...
  3. Try medicated remedies. ...
  4. Turn off your phone before you tuck in. ...
  5. Organise your bedside table and be prepared. ...
  6. Build a wind-down routine. ...
  7. Raise the top of your mattress to an incline.

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Why is my throat sore for so long?

A sore throat is considered chronic when it lasts for more than three months. Typical factors that can cause a long-lasting sore throat include allergies, acid reflux, environmental irritants, dry air and strained vocal cords. Occasionally a more serious condition, such as a tumor or HIV, can cause a sore throat.

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