Sore Throat
Causes: Viral infections such as flu, colds, or mononucleosis (mono); bacterial infections such as strep; allergies; irritants such as smoke, vocal stress, or coughing.
Treatment: Rest, salt water gargles (1 tsp. salt in glass of warm water), acetaminophen or ibuprofen, throat lozenges. Avoid irritating substances. If the cause is a bacterial infection, antibiotics are necessary; but if the cause is viral, antibiotics will not help. If sore throat lasts more than 48 hours or if you see white spots on your throat, call your physician's office to make an appointment for a throat culture and to see a physician.
Prevention: Get plenty of rest, eat well, and avoid irritating substances.
