Distinguish a Sore Throat From Strep Throat Slideshow Natural Cold and Flu Remedies Slideshow Pictures The Common Cold Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Steven Doerr, MD

Steven Doerr, MD

Steven Doerr, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. Dr. Doerr received his undergraduate degree in Spanish from the University of Colorado at Boulder. He graduated with his Medical Degree from the University Of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver, Colorado in 1998 and completed his residency training in Emergency Medicine from Denver Health Medical Center in Denver, Colorado in 2002, where he also served as Chief Resident.

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Medical Editor:

Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD

Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD

Dr. Charles "Pat" Davis, MD, PhD, is a board certified Emergency Medicine doctor who currently practices as a consultant and staff member for hospitals. He has a PhD in Microbiology (UT at Austin), and the MD (Univ. Texas Medical Branch, Galveston). He is a Clinical Professor (retired) in the Division of Emergency Medicine, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, and has been the Chief of Emergency Medicine at UT Medical Branch and at UTHSCSA with over 250 publications.

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Strep Throat Treatment

Self-Care and Home Remedies

In general, treatment at home consists of measures to control the pain and associated symptoms of strep throat. The vast majority of cases of strep throat can be managed at home, unless rare serious complications develop. Various home remedies and over-the-counter medications are useful in relieving the symptoms of strep throat.

• Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Because fever can increase fluid loss and painful swallowing can decrease fluid intake, measures must be taken to avoid dehydration. Choose high-quality fluids such as warm soup broth (which replaces both salt and water loss) and sugar-containing solutions (they help the body absorb the fluids more rapidly). Avoid caffeine because it can cause water loss. Sometimes cold beverages, Popsicles, and ice cream can be beneficial.
  
  
• Throat lozenges can sometimes provide temporary relief for a minor sore throat. Various formulations exist, though they are not recommended for children under 4 years of age, due to the possibility of the child aspirating the small lozenge. Gargling with salt water is also sometimes helpful; people may try mixing table salt (about 1 – 2 teaspoons) with warm water (about 8 oz) and gargling.
  
  
• Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications. OTC pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) can be effective for reducing fever and providing pain control. Adequate pain control can also help with increasing fluid intake.
  
  
• Get extra sleep. Adequate rest and sleep can promote a more rapid recovery.
  
  
• Herbal teas. Herbal teas containing ingredients such as licorice may also provide significant pain relief.