What to do for a sore throat when swallowing hurts
Disease description:
I think I've caught a bit of a cold these two days; my throat is very sore, and it's painful even to swallow saliva. I'd like to ask the doctor, what should I do for a sore throat and painful swallowing?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lu Cheng
When experiencing sore throat and pain while swallowing, the following measures can help alleviate the symptoms:
1. Drink plenty of water: Keep the throat moist to help reduce pain.
2. Eat bland foods: Avoid spicy or irritating foods; choose bland and easily digestible options.
3. Medication: Depending on the underlying cause, treat with medications under a doctor's guidance, such as antibiotics, antiviral drugs, traditional Chinese medicine preparations, or mouthwashes. For pain caused by bacterial infections like acute tonsillitis or acute pharyngitis, antibiotics such as penicillin or amoxicillin may be used. For pain caused by viral infections, antiviral drugs such as oseltamivir or ribavirin may be prescribed.
4. Seek medical attention: If symptoms persist or worsen, promptly see a doctor for examination to determine the cause and receive targeted treatment.
