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Sore Throats
Overview
Most sore throats
are caused by viruses. In these cases, therefore,
antibiotics will not be effective in treating your symptoms.
However, sore throats can also be caused by bacteria, in which
case they can be treated with antibiotics. A sore throat
may be associated with many illnesses. If you also have
symptoms of
allergies,
a cold, or
the flu, read the information under those headings.
Signs and Symptoms
- Throat pain
- Red throat by
itself or with blisters or ulcers (red spots)
- Red, swollen
tonsils or tonsils covered with white spots/pus
- Ear pain
- Body aches
- Tender,
swollen glands in your neck
- Loss of
appetite
- Fever
-
Nausea/vomiting and/or diarrhea
Self-Care Measures
- Rest as much
as possible
- Drink 8
ounces of water, juice, or sports drinks every waking hour
- Gargle with a
saltwater solution made of 1/2 teaspoon table salt dissolved
in 8 ounces of warm water, and/or use OTC throat lozenges
- Avoid tobacco
smoke and other irritants
Red Flags
Check in with the
nurse if there is...
- Pus (white
spots) on your tonsils
- Significant
swelling of your throat or tonsils
- Drooling,
difficulty opening your mouth or breathing, or the inability
to eat or drink because of throat pain.
- Significant
throat pain not helped by gargling, lozenges, or analgesics
- Fever of over
100.5 degrees F that doesn't come down after taking
analgesics or that lasts more than 72 hours.
- Significant
ear pain.
- Skin rash
that is red to coral in color and often sandpapery in
texture.
CALL 911 OR GO DIRECTLY TO AN EMERGENCY ROOM IF ANY OF THE
FOLLOWING OCCURS:
- Severe
breathing difficulty
Go to Health Center Information
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