The best painkillers for a sore throat are Ibuprofen (an NSAID for pain and inflammation) and Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) (for pain and fever), with Ibuprofen often preferred for inflammation, while Paracetamol is generally safer for children and those with stomach issues. Always check ingredients to avoid overdose and never give aspirin to children under 16 due to Reye's syndrome, but lozenges and sprays with local anesthetics also offer relief.
Paracetamol is usually the first choice, especially when anti-inflammatory benefits are not needed. NHS considers it generally safe and a go-to for reducing fever or mild pain. Ibuprofen may be more appropriate when inflammation is a factor – such as in sprains, sore throats, or toothaches.
To soothe a child's sore throat, offer plenty of fluids, soft foods like yogurt or soup, and cold treats like popsicles, while using pain relievers like children's ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed (never aspirin for kids). For older kids (over 4), salt water gargles and lozenges help, and honey (over age 1) can soothe, but always ensure hydration, rest, and avoid smoke irritants, seeing a doctor for severe symptoms.
Pregnant women can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for a sore throat with a limit of 3,000 mg in 24 hours. An antihistamine may help if the sore throat is due to postnasal drip because it can dry up those secretions. Sprays or lozenges that contain benzocaine, a local anesthetic, can help numb the throat.
Use the following to ease the symptoms of a sore throat:
To quickly relieve a sore throat, use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain and inflammation, along with soothing remedies like honey (not for infants), throat sprays (with lidocaine), and warm salt water gargles, while getting rest and staying hydrated to speed healing.
The most common cause of a sore throat, also called pharyngitis, is a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. A sore throat from a virus goes away on its own. Strep throat, also called a streptococcal infection, is a less common type of sore throat. Bacteria causes it.
Signs and symptoms of strep throat can include:
You may take: Cough drops (throat lozenges), such as Halls, Ricola or Cepacol. Guaifenesin (Mucinex, plain Robitussin) for a dry cough. Afrin nasal spray.
Tylenol Cold and Flu Severe serious side effects
Many different viral illnesses can cause sore throat. Some common ones are rhinovirus (common cold), flu, adenovirus, and coronaviruses, like COVID-19. These typically lead to redness and rawness in the back of the throat. One virus that really mimics strep throat is the Epstein-Barr virus, the virus that causes mono.
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Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It soothes a sore throat by blocking substances in the body that contribute to pain and inflammation. It's often a go-to OTC medication to help relieve mild fever, pain, and inflammation.
Paracetamol can cause liver damage if too much is given. Ibuprofen can cause gut problems and affect kidney function, but usually only in children with other health problems. When taken correctly (according to the instructions on the bottle) both medicines are very safe.
What to Expect: Most often, sore throats with a viral illness last 4 or 5 days. Other cold symptoms may last longer.
Here are some ingredients to be aware of:
Cough drops are considered safe to take during pregnancy. “As with everything, use the cough drops in moderation,” says Dr. Gyamfi-Bannerman. “Like most medications and supplements, cough drops have not been studied in pregnancy.”
Several home remedies for colds and coughs are also good options during pregnancy. That includes things like: Vicks VapoRub® mentholated cream. Neti pots, saline nasal drops or saline spray.
A viral sore throat often comes with cold symptoms like a cough, runny nose, and hoarseness, while a bacterial one (strep throat) usually hits suddenly with severe pain, high fever, no cough, and white spots/pus on tonsils, but only a doctor's test (strep test) can confirm, as symptoms overlap and look similar.
If you have strep throat, your throat and tonsils may appear red, sore and swollen. You may also have white patches, spots or streaks of pus on your throat and tonsils. In addition, you may develop tiny, red spots on the roof of your mouth called petechiae.
Sore Throat Relief
Try hot tea with lemon or some hot soup. Keep your throat moist with lozenges or hard candies. Gargle with warm salt water or use ice chips. Cold liquids or popsicles can numb the pain.
Red flags for a sore throat that need urgent care include difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe pain (especially on one side), drooling, inability to open your mouth fully, stiff neck, confusion, high fever with shivering, dehydration signs, or blood in saliva, as these can signal serious issues like airway obstruction, severe infection, or rare conditions needing immediate attention. See a doctor if it lasts over a week, recurs often, or if you have night sweats, unexplained weight loss, or a weakened immune system.
Stage 1 of a sore throat, often the start of a cold or flu, involves early symptoms like a tickle, scratchiness, or mild pain in the throat, possibly with sneezing, usually appearing 1-3 days after infection, and can be managed with rest, fluids, saltwater gargles, and OTC pain relievers, but see a doctor if it's severe, lasts over a week, or comes with a high fever or trouble breathing.