Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus, resulting in severe throat pain and difficulty swallowing. Unlike a common cold, this infection requires medical treatment to prevent serious complications. While prescription medication addresses the root cause, the intense discomfort can be managed through various soothing strategies. These methods alleviate physical symptoms until medical treatment takes effect.
Immediate At-Home Soothing Strategies
Maintaining hydration is one of the most beneficial actions when the throat is painful. Drinking plenty of fluids, such as cool water, warm teas, or non-acidic juices, keeps the throat tissues moist, easing pain when swallowing and preventing dehydration. Cold items like popsicles, ice chips, or sherbet can also provide temporary numbing relief to the inflamed area.
A warm saltwater gargle directly addresses swelling in the throat tissues. This solution works based on osmosis, where the higher salt concentration draws excess fluid out of the swollen, inflamed cells. Reducing this fluid buildup helps decrease swelling and temporarily eases the pain. Mix about a quarter to a half teaspoon of salt into eight ounces of warm water and gargle several times daily.
Consuming honey offers a natural, soothing coating for the raw throat lining. Its thick, viscous texture coats irritated membranes, acting as a demulcent that reduces friction and the scratchy sensation. Honey also contains natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that contribute to symptom relief. A spoonful of honey straight or mixed into warm tea is an effective method for temporary comfort, but it should not be given to infants under one year old due to the risk of botulism.
Sucking on throat lozenges or hard candies stimulates saliva production. Increased saliva flow naturally lubricates the throat, moistening irritated tissues and temporarily reducing dryness and pain. Using a cool-mist humidifier in the bedroom adds moisture to the air, preventing the throat from drying out overnight. Resting the voice as much as possible minimizes strain on the inflamed vocal cords and throat muscles, aiding overall comfort.
Over-the-Counter Pain Management
Over-the-counter (OTC) systemic pain relievers manage body-wide symptoms of the infection, such as fever and general pain. Medications like ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), work by blocking the body’s production of prostaglandins, which promote inflammation, pain, and fever. Acetaminophen, another common OTC option, works differently by affecting the pain and temperature regulation centers in the brain.
These systemic medications address inflammation and pain throughout the entire body. It is important to follow the dosage instructions carefully, especially when treating children. Avoid using aspirin in children and teenagers, as it is associated with Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition.
For immediate, localized relief, topical throat sprays and numbing lozenges are available. These products often contain local anesthetics like benzocaine or phenol. When applied, these ingredients temporarily block nerve signals in the throat lining, providing a localized numbing sensation. This quickly reduces the severity of sore throat pain and can be particularly helpful before attempting to eat or drink.
Why Soothing Is Not Enough: Medical Treatment
While soothing measures offer comfort, they only mask symptoms and do not cure the underlying bacterial infection. Strep throat is caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, and unlike viral sore throats, it requires a prescription antibiotic to resolve. The primary reason for seeking medical intervention is to prevent serious complications.
Untreated strep throat carries the risk of developing acute rheumatic fever, which can cause permanent damage to the heart valves. It can also lead to post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, an inflammatory condition affecting the kidneys. Therefore, a definitive diagnosis is necessary, involving a rapid strep test or a throat culture performed by a healthcare provider. If the test is positive, an antibiotic, such as penicillin or amoxicillin, is prescribed.
Starting this medication quickly reduces the risk of complications and shortens the duration of symptoms by one or two days. It is necessary to complete the entire course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve quickly, which often happens within a day or two. Stopping treatment prematurely can lead to a relapse or increase the risk of developing serious complications.