The duration of a sore throat is determined by the cause. Sore throats, also known as pharyngitis, can be acute and last only a few days, or persistent and last until the underlying reason is treated.
Most sore throats are the consequence of common viruses and resolve on their own within 3 to 10 days. Sore throats caused by a bacterial infection or allergies may continue for a longer period of time.
At-home therapies and prescribed drugs might impact the length of time you suffer symptoms from a sore throat, such as pain, scratchiness, and problems swallowing.
Continue reading to learn more about sore throats and what you can do to speed up your healing.
How long do viral infections cause sore throats?
Most sore throats are caused by viruses, such as the flu or the common cold. They can also be a sign of other viral illnesses, such as:
- croup
- measles
- chicken pox
Antibiotics are not required for viral sore throats. They normally go away in 10 days or less with minimal symptom management.
At-home therapies and prescribed corticosteroids help alleviate the discomfort of these sore throats, which normally go away when the underlying infection cures.
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Mononucleosis causes sore throats.
Unlike painful throats caused by other viruses, those caused by mononucleosis can last up to a month. Mononucleosis is a viral infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus.
Although antibiotics are ineffective against mononucleosis, corticosteroids can lessen the edema, irritation, and discomfort associated with this condition.
How long do bacterial infections produce sore throats?
Bacterial infections are less common than viral infections in causing sore throats. When they do arise, your doctor may give antibiotics, such as penicillin or amoxicillin. Antibiotics can significantly reduce the length of a sore throat. Within one to two days, they may help reduce pain and inflammation.
Bacterial infections and the sore throats they produce can linger anywhere from a week to ten days if medicines are not used.
Bacterial sore throats are occasionally accompanied by a more serious infection. Sore throats produced by the bacteria Fusobacterium, for example, can lead to a complication known as Lemierre’s syndrome. Sore throats produced by this illness may resolve within four to five days, but can later return.
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Strep throat causes sore throats.
The bacteria Streptococcus causes strep throat (group A streptococcus). Strep throat usually necessitates medical attention and may necessitate antibiotics.
Strep throat symptoms should go away soon once you start antibiotic treatment. Within one to two days, you may notice a reduction in your symptoms. Your symptoms should disappear completely within one week of starting antibiotics.
How long do sore throats from postnasal drip last?
Sore throats can be caused by postnasal drip. The following are some of the most common causes of postnasal drip:
- Infection of the sinuses
- gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- irritants such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, and allergies
Sore throats induced by postnasal drip may be chronic. This means that your throat may be uncomfortable until the underlying cause of your postnasal drip is addressed.
How to deal with a sore throat at home?
There are numerous home remedies for calming and alleviating sore throat pain. They are as follows:
- To release mucus and minimize swelling, gargle with warm water and salt.
- Drink warm tea with honey and lemon. This can help cover your throat, making it less scratchy. You can also try out different teas, such as chamomile or licorice root.
- Take ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or another pain reliever.
- Drink plenty of drinks to thin out sinus mucus production and soothe the throat.
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When to seek help?
Consult your doctor if you get a sore throat that causes extreme pain or lasts more than 10 days. Also keep a watch on symptoms you may be experiencing, which can suggest more serious conditions that require antibiotics, such as strep throat. Among these signs are:
- fever
- chills
- swelling lymph nodes in the neck
- rash
- body aches
- headache
- vomiting or nausea
A sore throat may also signify tonsillitis, which is an inflammation of the tonsils. It could be the result of a viral or bacterial illness.
Tonsillitis can also cause the following symptoms:
- enlarged tonsils that are red or covered in white or yellow pus
- pain when swallowing
- swelling lymph nodes in the neck
- fever
- foul odor
- headache
- stiff neck
- stomach ache
Tonsillitis is most frequent in children spanning from preschool age to high school, but it can occur in adults, too.
If you or your kid suffers tonsillitis often, your doctor may determine that a tonsillectomy, or removal of your tonsils, will help.
The duration of time a sore throat lasts is governed by its cause. Sore throats are usually caused by viruses and usually go away on their own in less than a week.
Sore throats can also be caused by bacterial infections. These may take longer to fully resolve.
It can be difficult to distinguish between a viral and bacterial sore throat. Consult your doctor if you have severe symptoms or if they do not improve within a few days.
The duration of time a sore throat lasts is governed by its cause. Sore throats are usually caused by viruses and usually go away on their own in less than a week.
Sore throats can also be caused by bacterial infections. These may take longer to fully resolve.
It can be difficult to distinguish between a viral and bacterial sore throat. Consult your doctor if you have severe symptoms or if they do not improve within a few days.
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