SORE THROAT

 

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

 

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MILD SORE THROAT

  1. For Relief of Sore Throat Pain:
    • Sip warm chicken broth or apple juice.
    • Suck on hard candy or a throat lozenge (over the counter).
    • Gargle warm salt water three times daily (1 teaspoon of salt in a 8 oz of warm water).
    • Avoid cigarette smoke.
  2. Pain Medication: For pain relief, take acetaminophen every 4-6 hours (e.g. Tylenol; adult dosage 650 mg) OR ibuprofen every 6-8 hours (e.g. Advil, Motrin; adult dosage 400 mg).
    • Do not take ibuprofen if you have stomach problem, kidney disease, are pregnant, or have been told by your doctor to avoid this type of anti-inflammatory drug. Do not take ibuprofen for more than 7 days without consulting your doctor.
    • Do not take acetaminophen if you have liver disease.
    • Read the package instructions thoroughly on all medications that you take.
  3. Fever Medicine: For fevers above 101 F (38.3 C) take acetaminophen every 4-6 hours (Adults 650 mg) or ibuprofen every 6-8 hours (Adults 400 mg). The goal of fever therapy is to bring the fever down to a comfortable level. Remember that fever medicine usually lowers fever 2 degrees F (1- 1 1/2 degrees C).
    • Do not take ibuprofen if you have stomach problems, kidney disease, are pregnant, or have been told by your doctor to avoid this type of anti-inflammatory drug. Do not take ibuprofen for more than 7 days without consulting your doctor.
    • Do not take acetaminophen if you have liver disease.
    • Read the package instructions thoroughly on all medications that you take.
  4. Soft Diet: Cold drinks and milk shakes are especially good. (Reason: swollen tonsils can make some foods hard to swallow.)
  5. Liquids: Adequate liquid intake is important to prevent dehydration. Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day.
  6. Contagiousness: You can return to work or school after the fever is gone and you feel well enough to participate in normal activities. If your doctor determines that you have Strep throat, then you will need to take an antibiotic for 24 hours before you can return.
  7. Expected Course: Sore throats with viral illnesses usually last 3 or 4 days.
  8. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Sore throat is the main symptom and it lasts longer than 24 hours
    • Sore throat is mild but lasts longer than 4 days
    • Fever lasts longer than 3 days
    • You become worse or develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Adult SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2002

See Other Topics:

View Anatomic Index of Topics