HARVARD HEALTH PUBLISHING ANSWERS: WHAT IS THE BEST TREATMENT FOR THROAT INFECTION?
Answered by Dr. Howard E. Lewine
M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA
Most throat infections are caused by a virus. Because antibiotics do not work against viruses, viral pharyngitis usually is treated by treating the symptoms to make you feel more comfortable until your body's immune system defeats the infection. These measures include: • Getting enough rest • Taking ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol) or aspirin (in adults only) to relieve throat pain • Drinking plenty of water to prevent dehydration • Gargling with warm salty water to ease throat pain • Drinking warm liquids (tea or broth) or cool liquids or eating gelatin desserts or flavored ices to soothe the throat • Using a cool mist vaporizer to relieve throat dryness • Using nonprescription throat lozenges or anesthetic throat sprays When bacteria cause a throat infection, strep is the usual culprit. Strep throat is treated with antibiotics.
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Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.
2024-04-24T14:02:39Z dg43tfdfdgfd