How long will the effects of a sore throat last? Viral pharyngitis often goes away in five to seven days. If you have bacterial pharyngitis, you will feel better after you have taken antibiotics for two to three days.
“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.”
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.
Most sore throats caused by a cold or flu-type virus go away in a week to 10 days. If your sore throat is caused by bacteria, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic. You will feel better in a few days. It is important to take all your antibiotics.
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.
Strep throat most often goes away in 3 to 7 days with or without antibiotic treatment. If strep throat isn't treated with antibiotics, you can still spread the infection for 2 to 3 weeks even if your symptoms go away. If you start antibiotics, within 24 hours you are much less likely to spread the infection.
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. Muscle strain. You can strain muscles in your throat by yelling, talking loudly or talking for long periods without rest.
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. A fever, especially if it's over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius).
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.
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.
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.
Excess mucus in the throat can lead to itching, irritation, and soreness. Postnasal drip typically increases when a person is lying down. As a result, a sore throat may worsen at night or first thing in the morning. Exposure to certain allergens at night may also worsen postnasal drip and sore throat.
Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus. Tiny red spots on the area at the back of the roof of the mouth (soft or hard palate) Swollen, tender lymph nodes in your neck. Fever.
The most common cause for painful swallowing is a virus like a cold, the flu, or mono. Sinus infections could also be the blame. The pain in your throat is likely caused by either inflamed tonsils, coughing, or irritation from sinus drip.
No, strep throat won't go away on its own. A type of bacteria causes strep throat, and antibiotics treat infections caused by bacteria. Strep throat can lead to more serious illnesses if not treated, so it's important to start on antibiotics immediately.
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.
This disease, usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), spreads through saliva and is often referred to as “mono” or “the kissing disease.” Symptoms are very similar to those of the flu and include a fever, sore throat, fatigue, muscle weakness and swollen lymph glands.
See a GP if:
A severe or long-lasting sore throat could be something like strep throat (a bacterial throat infection).
If you have a persistent sore throat (one that lasts 3 to 4 weeks), you should see your GP who may refer you for further tests. This is because your sore throat may be a symptom of a more serious condition.
A sore throat that lasts longer than a week is often caused by irritants or an injury. Examples include: Throat irritation from low humidity, smoking, air pollution, yelling, or nasal drainage down the back of the throat (post-nasal drip). Breathing through your mouth when you have allergies or a stuffy nose.