Sore throat: fast relief, common causes, and when to see a doctor

A sore throat can ruin your day fast. Sometimes it’s a mild scratchy feeling you can ignore, other times it’s sharp pain that makes swallowing impossible. Here I’ll give practical, no-nonsense advice you can use right away: what usually causes throat pain, simple at-home fixes that really work, and clear signs you should see a clinician.

Quick relief you can try now

Salt water gargles calm inflammation and shift gunk off the back of the throat. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in 8 oz (240 ml) of warm water, gargle for 30 seconds, and spit. Do that every few hours.

Warm fluids help. Tea with honey, broth, or warm water with lemon soothes and keeps you hydrated. Don’t give honey to children under 1 year.

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen cut pain and fever. Follow the label dose. Throat lozenges, hard candies, or a throat spray with a mild anesthetic can ease swallowing.

Humidifiers add moisture to dry air that often makes throats worse. If you smoke, cut back or stop for a few days; smoke irritates the lining and slows recovery. Rest your voice if speaking hurts—whispering can actually strain your throat more than gentle talking, so speak softly when you must.

Common causes and quick clues

Viral infections (cold, flu, COVID) are the most common. They usually come with runny nose, cough, and mild fever and get better in 3–7 days without antibiotics.

Bacterial infection—most notably strep throat—tends to start quickly and can include high fever, swollen lymph nodes, white patches on the tonsils, and no cough. If you or your kid has those signs, ask a clinician about a rapid strep test. If positive, antibiotics help and reduce spread.

Other causes: allergies (itchy eyes, sneezing), acid reflux (worse after eating or when lying down), irritants (smoke, pollution), and certain medications like ACE inhibitors that cause a chronic cough and throat irritation.

Tests doctors use: rapid antigen strep test gives results in minutes. A throat culture is slower but more accurate. For persistent or unusual symptoms, a clinician might check for mono, reflux, or repeated tonsil problems.

Most sore throats improve with home care. See a doctor right away if you have trouble breathing, severe drooling, difficulty opening your mouth, a fever over 101.5°F (38.6°C), severe neck swelling, or symptoms that get much worse or don’t start improving after 48–72 hours. For kids who can’t swallow liquids or look very ill, get medical help immediately.

Simple steps—salt gargles, fluids, humid air, OTC pain relief, and knowing the red flags—will get most people back to normal quickly. If in doubt, ask a healthcare provider; it’s better to check than to miss a treatable bacterial infection.