Treating bacterial infections
If your or your child’s sore throat is caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor or pediatrician will prescribe antibiotics.
You or your child must take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed even if the symptoms are gone. Failure to take all of the medication as directed can result in the infection worsening or spreading to other parts of the body.
Not completing the full course of antibiotics to treat strep throat can increase a child’s risk of rheumatic fever or serious kidney inflammation.
Other treatments
If a sore throat is a symptom of a condition other than a viral or bacterial infection, other
Lifestyle and home remedies
Regardless of the cause of your sore throat, these at-home care strategies can help you ease your or your child’s symptoms:
- Rest.
- Drink fluids.
- Try comforting foods and beverage. Warm liquids — broth, caffeine-free tea or warm water with honey — and cold treats such as ice pops can soothe a sore throat.
- Gargle with saltwater.
- Humidify the air.
- Consider lozenges or hard candy.
- Avoid irritants. Keep your home free from cigarette smoke and cleaning products that can irritate the throat.