The majority of the time, treatment is symptomatic. Specific treatments are effective for bacterial, fungal, and herpes simplex infections. Medications * Pain medication, such as NSAIDs and acetaminophen (paracetamol), can help reduce the pain associated with a sore throat. Aspirin may be used in adults, but is not recommended in children due to the risk of Reye syndrome. * Steroids (such as dexamethasone) may be useful for severe<unk> . Their general use, however, is poorly supported. * Viscous lidocaine relieves pain by numbing the mucous membranes. * Antibiotics are useful if a bacterial infection is the cause of the sore throat. For viral infections, antibiotics have no effect. In the United States, they are used in 25% of people before a bacterial infection has been detected. * Oral analgesic solutions, the active ingredient is usually phenol, but also less commonly benzocaine, cetylpyridinium chloride, and/or menthol. Chloraseptic and Cepacol are two examples of brands of these kinds of analgesics. Alternative Gargling salt water is often suggested, but there is no evidence to support or discourage this practice. Alternative medicines are promoted and used for the treatment of sore throats. However, they are poorly supported by evidence.
Pharyngitis
Epiglottitis
Laryngitis
Retropharyngeal abscess
Sinusitis
Thyroiditis
Tonsillitis
Streptococcal pharyngitis