We've all had sore throats before. Usually, they go away after the first or second day, and sometimes they last longer. You should pay close attention to your symptoms, especially to make sure it isn't leading to a more serious diagnosis like strep throat or tonsilitis.
According to WebMd, strep is an infection due to streptococcus bacteria, is often more severe and persists. Tonsillitis is a painful inflammation or infection of the tonsils, the tissue masses located at the back of the throat.
Sore throats can be caused by viruses or bacteria, reported WebMd. The most common causes of sore throats are viruses. Viral sore throats are often accompanied by other cold symptoms that may include a runny nose, cough, red or watery eyes, and sneezing. Other causes of sore throat include smoking, pollution or irritants in the air, allergies, and dry air.
Along With a Sore Throat, What are Other Cold Symptoms?
In addition to a sore throat, other common cold symptoms, according to WebMd, include:
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Mild headache
- Mild body aches
- Fever
The article says that although there is no cure for a sore throat caused by a cold virus, there are ways to help you feel more comfortable. Drinking warm liquids, gargling with warm salt water, sucking on ice chips, or taking an over-the-counter medicine may relieve symptoms of pain or fever. When you are sick with a cold, it is also important to get enough rest, eat a healthy diet, and drink plenty of fluids.
Over-the-counter cold medications may relieve cold and sore throat symptoms. However, the benefits of these drugs are minimal. Some cold medications include:
- Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen and naproxen, to relieve the aches and pains of a cold and sore throat. (Aspirinshould not be given to children because of its link to Reye's syndrome, a disorder that can cause brain damage and death.)
- Sore throat sprays and lozenges to soothe your throat and numb the throat pain temporarily. (Lozenges should not be given to young children)
- Decongestant nasal sprays to relieve a sore throat caused by postnasal drip -- nasal drainage that runs down your throat. (Be sure to stop using nasal decongestant sprays after three days, or you may have an increase in congestion when you stop them.)
