Sore Throat

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Patient education: Sore Throat/Pharyngitis

PHARYNGITIS

You have been diagnosed with pharyngitis (a sore throat). It is usually caused by a viral infection, and antibiotics do not help in this case. If there is concern that you have Strep Pharyngitis then antibiotics will be prescribed.

Continue to monitor for additional symptoms; if the sore throat just started, this may be the beginning of an upper respiratory infection, or another type of infection. Come back and see us or follow up with your primary care clinician if symptoms worsen or fail to improve within the next 2 weeks. You can go back to work or school at any time. If there is a fever, wait 24 hours after the fever resolves until returning.

Home care:

Popsicles, warm liquids like tea or soup

Suck on hard candies or lollipop (for children older than 3 to 4 years old)

Gargle salt water (for children 6 to 8 years old or older)

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help with both throat pain and fever

Wash your hands often with soap and water. It is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of infection.

ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY:

If you have been given an antibiotic prescription, It’s important that you take all the medication, unless instructed otherwise by your physician. Failure to complete the entire course can result in relapse of your condition. Common side effects of antibiotics include nausea, intestinal cramping, or diarrhea. Women may develop vaginal yeast infections, and babies can get yeast (thrush) in the mouth following the use of antibiotics. Contact your physician if you develop significant side effects from this medication. Allergy to this antibiotic can result in hives, wheezing, faintness, or itching. If symptoms of allergy occur, stop the medication and call the doctor.

USE OF OVER-THE-COUNTER IBUPROFEN:

Ibuprofen (Advil, Nuprin, Medipren, Motrin IB) is an excellent, safe drug for fever and pain control. In addition, it has anti- inflammatory effects which may be beneficial, especially in the treatment of injuries. It’s best to take ibuprofen with food. Persons with ulcer disease or allergy to aspirin should notify their physician of this before taking ibuprofen. Ibuprofen can be given every four to six hours, for a total of four doses daily.

USE OF ACETAMINOPHEN:

Acetaminophen may be taken for pain relief or fever control. It’s much safer than aspirin, offering a wider range of “safe” dosages. It is safe during pregnancy. Some brand names are Tylenol, Panadol, Datril, Anacin 3, Tempra, and Liquiprin. Acetaminophen can be repeated every four hours.

FOLLOW UP CARE:

If you were provided with an antibiotic, please fill this and take as directed until completion. If you are unable or if you are worsening, call us. For help finding a Primary provide please call 410-601-WELL (9355)