how long does a sore throat last
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How long does a sore throat last: acute or severe

Sometimes a sore throat will feel dry and itchy. Swallowing can become an unpleasant ordeal. Infection with a virus is typically the cause of a sore throat. On the other hand, they can also be a result of irritants, allergens, or microorganisms. Sore throats are uncomfortable, but they usually aren’t serious. Within a week, it usually goes away on its own. In the meantime, many methods exist for treating and reducing discomfort. A sore throat is a miserable condition to be in. It aches, and swallowing makes it hurt much more. After a week, you should probably consult a doctor because you might have strep throat. In this post, we’ll go through how long does a sore throat last and the most typical reasons for a sore throat.

Sore throat: What is it?

Soar throat appears to be a typical sign of many different diseases and injuries. The pharynx (throat) becomes inflamed, causing this condition. Many different kinds of microbes, pathogens, stress, and environmental chemicals can cause this. The discomfort of a sore throat typically represents a harmless symptom that heals on its own. However, this symptom may indicate a more serious condition requiring immediate medical intervention. Not necessarily a cause for alarm, but something to keep an eye out for if there are additional symptoms.

A painful throat Is a typical sign of sickness, from the very minor to the life-threatening. A sore throat is a common condition that affects more than two hundred million Americans each year, but it’s usually nothing to feel anxious about. To prevent a more severe condition from developing, it is important to know how long does a sore throat last.

How Long Does a Sore Throat Last: Knowing the causes 

How long does a sore throat last depends much on the underlying reason. Acute sore throats typically only last for a couple of days. A condition is chronic when it fails to improve after a reasonable amount of time has passed or when its root cause is not treated. The majority of situations of a sore throat may be traced back to a recurrent virus and will go away on their own within 3–10 days. An allergy or bacterial infection could be the root cause of your sore throat, making it more persistent. How long symptoms like a painful throat, scratchy throat, and hard-to-swallow last may also be affected by any home remedies or medication used to treat the condition. Without further ado, let’s examine how long does a sore throat last considering different underlying causes.

1. Flu or a cold

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The seasonal cold is what causes the majority of sore throats. A discharge from the nose is a symptom of certain diseases. The mucus constantly drains into the neck as a result. Irritation is a result of this syndrome. The majority of people recover from the average cold and flu in around two weeks. Within ten days, the pain in your throat should start to feel better.

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2. Allergies

how long does a sore throat last
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The sinuses are vulnerable to allergy irritation. The result is the onset of postnasal drip. The constant dripping aggravates my already sore throat. As a result, it hurts now. When you avoid the substance that causes allergies, the signs should go away. This means they could last for several weeks or months. Your throat irritation should begin to improve after between two and three weeks if you have stopped being exposed to the allergens.

3. Infections Caused by Viruses

how long does a sore throat last
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A viral infection is almost always the cause of a sore throat. This covers symptoms brought on by the flu as well as the regular cold. In addition, a sore throat may be an indicator of various viral illnesses outside the common cold. Measles, mumps, and chicken pox are the three infectious diseases that are most likely to be the culprits. Since a virus-induced sore throat typically goes away on its own within a week or ten days, antibiotics are not necessary for treatment. Both at-home remedies and doctor-prescribed corticosteroids can help to relieve the discomfort that a sore throat causes. When the underlying infection has been cleared up, it will normally disappear.

4. Bacteria

A bacterial infection rarely results in a sore, in contrast to a viral illness. In the event of a bacterial infestation, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics like penicillin and amoxicillin. The duration of a sore throat may be reduced with antibiotics. After starting the antibiotic, you may feel less discomfort and inflammation within a day or two. Inflammatory conditions caused by bacteria and the accompanying sore throats can continue for 7-10 days if you don’t treat them with antibiotics. A bacterial sore throat may be a sign of a more serious condition. If the discomfort lasts beyond ten days, you should see a doctor.

5. Throat disorder (strep)

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A sore throat could be a symptom of anything more serious, but this is quite unlikely. Strep throat is the common name for this condition. Bacterial illnesses are very infectious. A quick test is your best bet to know if you have strep throat. Hence, the doctor’s prescription and medical attention are required to treat strep throat. In just twenty-four hours after beginning treatment for strep throat, symptoms often subside with the help of a doctor. The average duration of symptoms is five days. When treatment with antibiotics for strep throat begins, the symptoms should rapidly go. Patients often report feeling better in as little as two days. Antibiotic treatment typically results in full symptom resolution within seven days. 

6. Operative procedure

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You can wake up with a painful throat if an intubation was necessary during your surgery and you had to have it done. Endotracheal tubes are what get inserted into patients during the intubation process. It travels down the back of the throat and into the airway after being injected via the mouth. If a patient struggles to respire be themselves, an intubation enables them to breathe with the assistance of a ventilator. It is typical after surgical procedures. After surgery, the best way to prevent a painful throat is to stay hydrated by drinking lots of fluids and to avoid talking as much as possible. In most situations, the discomfort should disappear one or two days after treatment has begun.

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7. Coronavirus 

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The burning sensation in the throat is among the most prevalent signs of corona. Is the coronavirus to blame for your scratchy throat? If so, it might take a few days to a few weeks. You should undergo testing if you think you got accidentally exposed to COVID-19.

How Long Does a Sore Throat Last If Left Untreated?

A sore throat can linger anywhere from a few days to a week or more if left untreated. What treatment is necessary is condition-specific. A sore throat that isn’t resulting from something more serious usually starts to feel normal after approximately ten days. Medical attention is vital if your symptoms have not improved within that time. You should see a doctor immediately when your throat infection is due to a viral infection.

Tough throat: acute versus chronic

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Illnesses can be classified as either acute or chronic. An acute infection refers to a rapid onset of symptoms. The effect is short-lived. Chronic conditions are those that worsen over time. A long or even infinite duration is possible. There are two distinct types of sore throat: acute and chronic. Mostly, acute sore throats can be traceable back to a viral illness.

An infection with the bacterium streptococcus is another possible trigger. The common name for this bacterial overgrowth is a strep throat infection. Acute sore throats respond well to over-the-counter pain relievers, plenty of water, and bed rest. Strep throat is an infection that requires antibiotic treatment. An infection is not to blame for a persistent sore throat. Allergies, acid reflux and some drugs are possible triggers. When treating a persistent sore throat, it is critical to do more than alleviate the symptoms.

Final words

Throat pain that persists for more than two weeks is considered persistent. Infection is rarely the root cause. Now you know how long does a sore throat last depending on your medical issue. The common cold and viral infections are the most common causes of sore throats. The good news is that the signs of these illnesses are generally treatable at home.

Home cures and OTC drugs are also options. Bacterial infections rarely cause sore throat symptoms. A sore throat is another possible side effect. Antibiotics can aid during the healing process and prevent further issues in some situations. You should consult a doctor if you have a painful throat that won’t go away or keeps reoccurring. It’s essential to see a doctor right away for sore throats.

Arpita Das Gupta hails from the City of Taj Mahal, Agra; decided to become a full-time writer after quitting her job at a multinational organisation to pursue her dream. For the last six years, she has written on many aspects of modern life. Has a passion for writing about wellness, nutrition, culinary cultures, and everything in between. Also attended Integral University in Lucknow, where she earned a Bachelor of Technology degree in Electronics and Communications. Reading, traveling, trying out new recipes, and spending time with her kid are some of the favorite things to do.