What medication should I take for a sore throat?
Apr 27, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the throat refers to the pharynx. Discomfort in the throat may be caused by factors such as excessive voice use, dry air, acute pharyngitis, chronic pharyngitis, or acute laryngitis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and, under a doctor's guidance, use medications such as Cefalexin Granules, Amoxicillin Capsules, Pharyngitis Tablets, Qinghou Liyan Granules, or Penicillin V Potassium Granules for treatment.
Generally speaking, the term "throat" refers to the pharynx. Discomfort in the throat may be caused by excessive voice use, dry air, acute pharyngitis, chronic pharyngitis, acute laryngitis, and other reasons. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation and, under the guidance of a physician, use medications such as Cefalexin Granules, Amoxicillin Capsules, Pharyngitis Tablets, Qinghou Liyan Granules, or Penicillin V Potassium Granules for treatment. A detailed explanation is as follows:
1. Excessive Voice Use
Extended periods of loud talking or singing may cause fatigue in the throat muscles and frequent vibration and friction of the vocal cords, leading to local congestion and swelling, which can cause throat discomfort. Medication is generally not required for this condition. It is recommended to use your voice appropriately, avoid prolonged continuous vocalization, control volume, pay attention to vocal techniques, and avoid shouting.
2. Dry Air
When the humidity level in the environment is low, the throat mucosa may lose moisture, become dry, and have reduced tolerance to irritation, which can easily lead to discomfort. Medication is generally not necessary. In daily life, a humidifier can be used to increase indoor air humidity, and drinking plenty of water can help keep the throat moist.
3. Acute Pharyngitis
Acute pharyngitis is often caused by viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus or adenovirus, but it can also result from bacterial infections, such as streptococcus or staphylococcus. Inflammation irritates the pharyngeal mucosa, causing congestion and swelling, which leads to throat discomfort. Symptoms may also include fever and headache. Under a physician's guidance, medications such as Cefalexin Granules, Amoxicillin Capsules, or Roxithromycin Dispersible Tablets may be used for treatment.
4. Acute Laryngitis
Acute laryngitis is usually caused by viral infections, such as influenza virus or parainfluenza virus, but can also be secondary to bacterial infections. The infection leads to acute inflammation of the laryngeal mucosa and congestion and swelling of the vocal cords, causing throat discomfort. Symptoms may also include hoarseness and difficulty speaking. Patients may use medications such as Penicillin V Potassium Granules, Houxueqing Oral Liquid, or Yinqiao Jiedu Granules under a physician's recommendation.
5. Chronic Pharyngitis
Chronic pharyngitis often results from recurrent episodes of acute pharyngitis, various nasal diseases, or chronic respiratory tract inflammation, as well as long-term mouth breathing and repeated irritation of the pharynx by inflammatory secretions. Due to chronic congestion of the pharyngeal mucosa and the presence of thick secretions in the posterior pharyngeal wall, a foreign body sensation in the throat may develop. Symptoms may also include coughing and nausea. Treatment may include medications such as Compound Chlorhexidine Gargle, Pharyngitis Tablets, and Qinghou Liyan Granules, used according to medical advice.
In daily life, it is important to avoid speaking or singing loudly for extended periods to prevent throat discomfort caused by overuse. When prolonged use of the voice is necessary, take breaks and drink warm water to soothe the throat.
