Whether it is of viral or bacterial origin, the first approach to sore throat provides local anti-inflammatory remedies aimed at alleviating the most annoying symptoms. If it does not pass, after 2-3 days the doctor will indicate how to proceed in a targeted manner.
Recognizing a sore throat is very easy. Both because the disorder is extremely common since childhood and recurs quite often, for the most diverse reasons, throughout the course of life. Both because the key signs and symptoms are always basically the same.
Typically, in fact, regardless of the causes, sore throat involves:
- inflammation
- redness and burning of the mucous membranes of the back of the mouth and pharynx
- hypersensitivity to rubbing by food or even just to the inhalation of cold and / or dry air
- discomfort or real pain when talking or swallowing, sometimes such as to prevent you from taking your usual foods for a few days.
It may be less simple to understand the exact origin of the disorder, but in most cases it is a secondary problem, since the common forms of sore throat tend to resolve spontaneously, thanks to the prompt intervention of the immune system, and the only really necessary remedies are the symptomatic ones, which help alleviate local discomforts while waiting for a full recovery, that will not be long in coming.
Useful remedies in the first instance
Most of the sore throats that can be suffered during the winter and in the changes of season are viral (85-95% of episodes in adulthood), but even in the few cases in which they are determined by bacteria (mostly group A streptococci) to counteract them antibiotics are almost never necessary, a class of drugs that must be used as little as possible and only when the doctor prescribes them.
Especially in the first days from the onset of symptoms, the most useful and advisable remedies are aimed at attenuating inflammation of the mucous membranes of the throat, on which burning, pain, hypersensitivity, swelling and (sometimes) mild itching depend that make breathing, talking and swallowing annoying.
Among the many formulations available in pharmacies, which can be purchased without a prescription, the tablets based on flurbiprofen, ketoprofen and naproxen, safe and well-tolerated non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in adolescents (from 12 years onwards) and adults, which offer the double advantage, compared to antiseptic products, both of having a longer duration of action, have proven to be very effective in this sense, and to act directly on inflammation, which causes the most annoying symptoms, such as pain, difficulty swallowing and swelling in the throat.
To get the maximum benefits, the tablets should be taken one at a time, letting them dissolve slowly and completely in the mouth, without chewing or swallowing them. The symptoms of sore throat will begin to improve after 10-15 minutes, with a maximum benefit after half an hour, which will be maintained in the following 6 hours. To allow the active ingredient to exert a complete and optimal action it is advisable not to drink or eat for about an hour after taking the drug.
The tablets can be taken as needed, even several times a day, but always respecting an interval of at least 3-6 hours between two successive intakes and without exceeding the maximum recommended dosage of 8 tablets over 24 hours. If between one intake and another you still feel a little residual discomfort in the throat, you should not take other drugs, but it is advisable:
- often drink water or other non-acidic, room-temperature or lukewarm liquids (such as chamomile, tea, herbal teas, milk, lightly salted vegetable or meat broths, etc.)
- eat soft and fresh food (fruit, yogurt, ice cream etc.)
- suck candies made from extracts of mint, eucalyptol, licorice or other balsamic herbs, preferably without sugar.
When to contact your doctor
Generally, a common mild or moderate sore throat, of viral or bacterial origin, improves within 2-3 days to disappear completely within a week, without the need for medical intervention or the intake of specific drugs, in addition to the symptomatic remedies mentioned.
If the disorder is more severe and associated, for example, with a strong cold or flu, healing times may be a little longer (especially if a smoker, an elderly person or a person for some reason predisposed to airway disorders is affected), but never more than 7-10 days.
If this is not the case or if the sore throat should begin to recur often, it is essential to consult the doctor to assess the situation and possibly proceed with the necessary investigations and specific treatments.
It is also essential to contact the doctor when:
- The sore throat is very intense and shows no sign of decreasing or worsening in the first 24-72 hours
- there are whitish plaques in the pharynx or other significant changes in the color or appearance of the mucous membranes of the tongue, mouth or throat
- the local disorder is associated with high fever or other systemic symptoms
- persistent dry cough or with a lot of phlegm is present
- The pain, burning and / or swelling of the mucous membranes are such as to compromise the possibility of breathing well.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.