How to treat or cure sore throat

Treatment depends on the cause. Most sore throats are viral and heal on their own with home care, while bacterial and other causes need specific treatment.

Step 1: Judge the cause Cold symptoms with mild pain suggest a virus. Sudden severe pain, high fever and no cough suggest strep, which needs a doctor and often a rapid test or throat swab.

Step 2: Home care for viral sore throat

• Warm salt-water gargles
• Fluids and soft foods
• Rest and voice rest
• Paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain and fever
• Lozenges or honey in warm water (honey only over 12 months)

Step 3: Medical treatment when needed

• Strep throat: a course of antibiotics, usually penicillin-based, for 10 days or as prescribed.
• Allergy: antihistamines and nasal sprays.
• Reflux: acid-reducing medicines and meal changes.
• Fungal infection: antifungal medicines.
• Abscess: urgent drainage and antibiotics in hospital.

Step 4: Recurrent tonsillitis Frequent severe tonsillitis may lead an ENT doctor to discuss tonsil removal.

What not to do

• Do not self-start or stop antibiotics midway.
• Do not rely on leftover medicines.

Ayurvedic view (interpretive) Traditional soothing measures can complement care for mild cases but cannot treat bacterial infection or an abscess.

When to see a doctor Severe pain, high fever, rash, one-sided swelling, breathing or swallowing difficulty, or symptoms over a week. Call 112 for breathing trouble or drooling.

Remember Viral sore throats heal with home care; strep needs antibiotics; warning signs need urgent care.