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How long does it take for a sore throat to go away?
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Mar 15, 2024 · A sore throat is often the first sign of a cold. However, a sore throat from a cold often gets better or goes away after the first day or two.
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A cold can cause a cough, sneezing, a sore throat, and a...
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Most sore throats are caused by viruses. That means...
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Symptoms of a sore throat can vary depending on the cause. Signs and symptoms might include:
•Pain or a scratchy sensation in the throat
•Pain that worsens with swallowing or talking
•Difficulty swallowing
•Sore, swollen glands in your neck or jaw
•Swollen, red tonsils
Take your child to a doctor if your child's sore throat doesn't go away with the first drink in the morning, recommends the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Get immediate care if your child has severe signs and symptoms such as:
•Difficulty breathing
•Difficulty swallowing
•Unusual drooling, which might indicate an inability to swallow
If you're an adult, see your doctor if you have a sore throat and any of the following associated problems, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery:
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Viral infections
Viral illnesses that cause a sore throat include:
Bacterial infections
Many bacterial infections can cause a sore throat. The most common is Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus) which causes strep throat.
Other causes
Other causes of a sore throat include:
Although anyone can get a sore throat, some factors make you more susceptible, including:
•Age. Children and teens are most likely to develop sore throats. Children ages 3 to 15 are also more likely to have strep throat, the most common bacterial infection associated with a sore throat.
•Exposure to tobacco smoke. Smoking and secondhand smoke can irritate the throat. The use of tobacco products also increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, throat and voice box.
•Allergies. Seasonal allergies or ongoing allergic reactions to dust, molds or pet dander make developing a sore throat more likely.
•Exposure to chemical irritants. Particles in the air from burning fossil fuels and common household chemicals can cause throat irritation.
•Chronic or frequent sinus infections. Drainage from your nose can irritate your throat or spread infection.
The best way to prevent sore throats is to avoid the germs that cause them and practice good hygiene. Follow these tips and teach your child to do the same:
•Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the toilet, before and after eating, and after sneezing or coughing.
•Avoid touching your face. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
•Avoid sharing food, drinking glasses or utensils.
•Cough or sneeze into a tissue and throw it away, and then wash your hands. When necessary, sneeze into your elbow.
•Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers as an alternative to washing hands when soap and water aren't available.
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Mar 21, 2024 · For example, a sore throat caused by the cold virus will usually go away with minimal treatment of symptoms in 14 days or less. At-home treatments and prescription corticosteroids may help...
- Corey Whelan
Jun 24, 2020 · Cold symptoms typically last 7–10 days, while flu symptoms tend to have a shorter duration of 5–7 days. 2. Infectious mononucleosis, or “mono,” is the medical term for a group of...
May 24, 2023 · Most people recover from a common cold in 7 to 10 days. Symptoms might last longer in people who smoke. Most often, you don't need medical care for a common cold. If symptoms don't get better or if they get worse, see your health care provider. Illnesses of the nose and throat caused by germs are called upper respiratory tract infections.
Nov 8, 2022 · Diseases & Conditions / Sore Throat (Pharyngitis) A sore throat is a scratchy or burning feeling in the back of your throat. It may hurt to swallow or talk. Most sore throats happen because of a viral infection, like the common cold or flu. Sore throat symptoms typically go away in a few days.
Jun 10, 2021 · A sore throat caused by a viral infection usually lasts five to seven days and doesn't usually require medical treatment. Antibiotics don't help treat a viral infection. To ease pain and fever, many people turn to acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or other mild pain relievers.
