Sore Throat Treatment

A sore throat—also called pharyngitis—is irritation, pain, or swelling of the tissues in the back of your throat. It often makes swallowing, eating, or speaking uncomfortable. Most sore throats are caused by a viral infection such as a cold or flu, though some result from a bacterial infection like Streptococcus pyogenes (strep throat).

A sore throat can also lead to symptoms like a dry or scratchy throat, swollen tonsils, painful swallowing, red spots, or tender lymph nodes in the neck. Because symptoms can overlap between viral and bacterial infections, seeing an online doctor for sore throat treatment helps determine the right approach quickly. With 24hrdoc, you can get an online diagnosis and a prescription sent to your local pharmacy within 45 minutes—no waiting room required.

A sore throat can develop for many reasons, ranging from common viral infections to environmental irritation. Understanding what’s behind the discomfort helps guide the right treatment.

Infectious Causes

• Viral infections: The majority of sore throats come from viruses such as the cold, flu, COVID-19, or mononucleosis. Viral sore throats usually resolve on their own within a week and respond well to home remedies.
• Bacterial infections: Streptococcus pyogenes causes strep throat, a bacterial infection marked by sudden throat pain, fever, and white patches on the tonsils (sometimes with red spots on the soft palate). It often requires antibiotics such as amoxicillin, penicillin, azithromycin, cephalosporins, clarithromycin, or clindamycin to prevent complications.

Non-Infectious Causes

• Allergies or postnasal drip: Mucus drainage irritates the throat and causes coughing or hoarseness.
• Acid reflux (GERD): Stomach acid backing up into the throat leads to burning and soreness.
• Dry air, smoking, or pollutants: Dry environments or irritants can cause persistent throat irritation or a dry throat.
• Overuse of the voice: Talking, singing, or shouting for long periods can strain throat muscles.

A sore throat lasting longer than a week, or one accompanied by high fever or trouble swallowing, should be evaluated by a healthcare professional through an online visit or in person.

The symptoms of a sore throat vary depending on the cause, but they typically include inflammation, pain, and discomfort that make it difficult to eat or speak.

Common Symptoms

• Scratchy, dry, or burning throat
• Pain when swallowing or speaking
• Swollen glands or tonsils
• Red or patchy throat appearance
• Hoarseness or voice changes
• Headache, nausea, or mild vomiting (in some cases of strep throat)

When to Seek Medical Attention

• High fever or chills
• White patches on the tonsils
• Rash (possible sign of strep throat)
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing

Our virtual doctors can assess your symptoms and prescribe medication if needed.

Many sore throats improve on their own, but certain warning signs may indicate a more serious infection that requires professional care.

Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Persistent sore throat for more than 7 days
• Severe pain or swelling making swallowing difficult
• High fever, white patches, or red spots on your tonsils
• Swollen lymph nodes in your neck or jaw
• Recurring sore throats or ear pain

These symptoms could signal strep throat or another bacterial infection that needs antibiotics. Don’t hesitate to connect with a virtual doctor who can provide an accurate online diagnosis and get your treatment started fast.

If you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing or inability to swallow liquids, seek immediate in-person medical attention or go to the nearest emergency department. Online care is best suited for mild to moderate throat pain and routine infections.

While not all throat infections can be avoided, small daily habits can greatly reduce your risk.

• Wash your hands regularly and avoid sharing utensils or drinks, especially during cold and flu season.
• Replace your toothbrush after recovering from an infection to prevent reinfection.
• Stay hydrated and give your voice plenty of rest if it feels strained.
• Avoid smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke, which irritates throat tissues.
• Use a humidifier to keep air moist, particularly in dry climates or during winter months.
• Strengthen your immune system by maintaining a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and managing stress.

Consistent self-care can help your body resist viral and bacterial infections, keeping your throat healthy and clear.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause—viral infections usually improve with rest and home remedies, while bacterial infections like strep throat require antibiotics. With 24hrdoc’s online sore throat treatment, you can speak to a licensed healthcare professional anytime and receive a personalized plan without leaving home.

Home Remedies for Mild Viral Sore Throat

• Sip warm fluids like tea with honey or clear broths.
• Try saltwater gargles several times a day.
• Use throat lozenges or sprays for temporary pain relief.
• Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen as needed for throat pain or fever.
• Keep air moist with a humidifier or steam inhalation to ease a dry throat.

Medical Treatments for Bacterial Infections

When you demonstrate symptoms of strep throat, antibiotics are often prescribed. Common options include amoxicillin, penicillin, azithromycin, cephalosporins, clarithromycin, and clindamycin.

Always complete the full antibiotic course to ensure full recovery and prevent rare but severe complications such as rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation.

Treatments for Other Causes

• Allergies: Antihistamines or nasal sprays
• GERD: Acid reducers like omeprazole or famotidine
• Chronic irritation: Avoid smoke and rest your voice

Get personalized online treatment for strep throat or another condition—most prescriptions are sent to your pharmacy within 45 minutes.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause—viral infections usually improve with rest and home remedies, while bacterial infections like strep throat require antibiotics. With 24hrdoc’s online sore throat treatment, you can speak to a licensed healthcare professional anytime and receive a personalized plan without leaving home.

Home Remedies for Mild Viral Sore Throat

• Sip warm fluids like tea with honey or clear broths.
• Try saltwater gargles several times a day.
• Use throat lozenges or sprays for temporary pain relief.
• Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen as needed for throat pain or fever.
• Keep air moist with a humidifier or steam inhalation to ease a dry throat.

Medical Treatments for Bacterial Infections

When you demonstrate symptoms of strep throat, antibiotics are often prescribed. Common options include amoxicillin, penicillin, azithromycin, cephalosporins, clarithromycin, and clindamycin.

Always complete the full antibiotic course to ensure full recovery and prevent rare but severe complications such as rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation.

Treatments for Other Causes

• Allergies: Antihistamines or nasal sprays
• GERD: Acid reducers like omeprazole or famotidine
• Chronic irritation: Avoid smoke and rest your voice

Get personalized online treatment for strep throat or another condition—most prescriptions are sent to your pharmacy within 45 minutes.