Sore Throat Treatment Online

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Virtual visit starting at

$22

Get immediate care from a licensed doctor.

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See a doctor for a fast sore throat treatment online

Care + Script

€20 starting from
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Availability

24/7 for urgent care online
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Response time

5 mins for ONLINE sore throat TREATMENT
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How can Doctorsa help with sore throat treatment online?

If you’re looking for sore throat treatment online, the good news is that it’s now easier than ever to get the help you need. With Doctorsa, you can connect with a licensed doctor and get a diagnosis from the comfort of your hotel, vacation rental, or wherever you are—no need to rush to a clinic hoping to find someone who understands you or wait in long lines.

Online Consultation for Sore Throat

During your online consultation for sore throat treatment, the doctor will ask about your symptoms, such as throat pain, fever, or headache. They may also inquire if you’ve recently been exposed to a sick individual or if you have allergies that could contribute to your sore throat. Although the doctor can’t perform a physical exam, they can often diagnose sore throat based on your description, and you can send photos to help them assess your condition.

Recommendations for Severe Cases

If your case needs more attention—such as if you’re experiencing severe pain, difficulty swallowing, or persistent fever—the doctor may recommend additional care or follow-up to ensure you recover fully. For travelers, Doctorsa can also guide you to a nearby pharmacy or help arrange delivery, so getting your medication is hassle-free.

Prescribed Treatments for Sore Throat

Once diagnosed, you’ll receive the right treatment for sore throat online. Common treatments may include over-the-counter analgesics like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve pain and reduce fever. Additionally, doctors may suggest throat lozenges, warm fluids, or honey to soothe symptoms. In cases of bacterial infection, antibiotics might be recommended. These treatments aim to relieve symptoms and ensure a quick recovery. Plus, the doctor may share general tips to help you recover faster, such as staying hydrated and avoiding irritants like tobacco smoke.

Follow-Up Support

Keep in mind that recovery might take a few days, and Doctorsa offers a free 7-day chat with your provider to track your progress and answer any questions along the way.

Getting sore throat treatment online is a fast and convenient way to manage your health while traveling, giving you quick access to expert care and the medications you need.

Guide for
Sore Throat Treatment Online

By Medical Editor: 
Dr. Francesco-Maria Serino, MD, PhD

October, 2024

Summary

A sore throat is commonly caused by viral infections like the cold or flu, or occasionally by bacterial infections, including strep throat. Other factors such as allergies, dry air, or irritants like smoke can also lead to throat discomfort. Typical symptoms include throat pain, scratchiness, and difficulty swallowing, with some cases presenting additional symptoms like headache, hoarseness, or fever.

Treatment varies based on the underlying cause. Viral sore throats generally improve with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies such as lozenges and pain relievers. For bacterial infections like strep throat, antibiotics are necessary. Simple home remedies, including warm saltwater gargles and honey, can also help ease discomfort. Persistent or severe symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Causes of Sore Throat

A sore throat can have various causes, including viral and bacterial infections. Viral pharyngitis, often triggered by cold or flu viruses, is the most common reason for sore throat. In some cases, sore throat may also result from COVID-19 infection. For bacterial infections, strep throat vs sore throat is often considered, as strep throat requires antibiotics for sore throat relief.

Other factors that can lead to sore throat include allergies, dry air, or exposure to irritants like smoke, which may cause throat irritation or throat discomfort. Additionally, persistent coughing, shouting, or singing can strain the vocal cords and result in throat scratchiness or throat pain.


Symptoms of Sore Throat

Sore throat symptoms vary depending on the underlying cause. Typical signs include throat discomfort, throat pain, and difficulty swallowing. Some individuals may experience a sore throat with no other symptoms, which can be related to mild viral infections or irritants rather than a more serious illness. A sore throat may also present with symptoms like dry throat, throat scratchiness, or throat irritation.

Other common symptoms include a sore throat on one side, which might indicate tonsillitis or lymph node swelling, or a sore throat and ear pain, which can suggest referred pain from throat inflammation. If you notice a sore throat and fever, it’s essential to monitor closely, as fever may indicate a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics.

Additionally, people with sore throat due to a viral infection may experience sore throat and headache, sore throat and hoarseness, or general fatigue.

Did you know that...

When a sore throat is primarily on one side, it might indicate an enlarged lymph node, a tonsil stone, or even an early sign of a viral infection. This is because the immune response can be concentrated on one side of the throat where infection or inflammation is highest.

Sore Throat Treatment

Treating a sore throat involves addressing the underlying cause and relieving discomfort. For viral infections, rest and hydration are key, along with over-the-counter sore throat medicine like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Medicine for sore throat can also include lozenges or sprays that soothe the throat. If you have a sore throat and hoarseness or dry throat, staying hydrated and using a humidifier may help reduce throat irritation.

For bacterial infections, such as strep throat, antibiotics for sore throat are prescribed. In milder cases or for throat scratchiness and throat discomfort, home remedies like warm tea with honey or saltwater gargles can be effective. If you’re unsure what to take for sore throat, consult a healthcare provider who can recommend specific treatments based on your symptoms.

In cases of sore throat and COVID-19, patients are advised to self-isolate and follow public health guidelines, as well as consult a doctor if symptoms worsen. Persistent throat pain, especially if accompanied by a sore throat and fever or severe throat discomfort, should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

If you’re wondering how to get rid of a sore throat, follow these guidelines for quick relief and avoid straining your voice during recovery.


Common sore throat medicines

Icon of a pill bottle

Acetaminophen

oral analgesics

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Amoxicillin

oral antibiotics

References

Eccles, R., Loose, I., Jawad, M., & Nyman, L. (2003). Effects of acetylsalicylic acid on sore throat pain and other pain symptoms associated with acute upper respiratory tract infection. Pain Medicine, 4(2), 118-124.

van der Velden, A. W., Sessa, A., Altiner, A., et al. (2020). Patients with sore throat: A survey of self-management and healthcare-seeking behavior in 13 countries worldwide. Pragmatic and Observational Research, 11, 91-101.

Burnett, I., Schachtel, B., Sanner, K., et al. (2006). Onset of analgesia of a paracetamol tablet containing sodium bicarbonate: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study in adult patients with acute sore throat. Clinical Therapeutics, 28(8), 1273-1279.

Thomas, M., Del Mar, C., & Glasziou, P. (2000). How effective are treatments other than antibiotics for acute sore throat? British Journal of General Practice, 50(459), 817-820.

Spinks, A., Glasziou, P. P., & Del Mar, C. B. (2013). Antibiotics for sore throat. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CD000023.

A collage of three pictures. Healthy female travelers enjoying their vacations. Someone holding a mobile phone while using the website Doctorsa to find a doctor. A bunch of colored pills.

How does it work?

99% of our users solve their issue within 1 hour. No waiting, no language barriers, no insurance needed.

Answer a few questions

Just answer a few questions about your sore throat symptoms and choose a convenient time for your online session. It’s simple and hassle-free, with no need to sign up.

Select and connect

Doctors respond in minutes. Select your preferred one and start your virtual consultation right from your web browser.

7-day free follow-up chat

Reach out to your doctor with any questions you might have, at no extra cost for 7 days following your consultation.

A tourist in Europe taking a picture of a picturesque street, mobile phone shows Doctorsa intake questionnaire, a medication pill bottle

How does it work?

99% of our users solve their issue within 1 hour. No waiting, no language barriers, no insurance needed.

Answer a few questions

Just answer a few questions about your sore throat symptoms and choose a convenient time for your online session. It’s simple and hassle-free, with no need to sign up.

Select and connect

Doctors respond in minutes. Select your preferred one and start your virtual consultation right from your web browser.

7-day free follow-up chat

Reach out to your doctor with any questions you might have, at no extra cost for 7 days following your consultation.

Your questions answered

To relieve a sore throat, stay hydrated and try soothing options like warm teas with honey or saltwater gargles. Over-the-counter sore throat medicines, such as lozenges, sprays, or pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help reduce pain and discomfort. Avoid irritants like smoke, and consider using a humidifier to keep the air moist.

The duration of a sore throat varies depending on the cause. Viral infections typically cause symptoms that last around 3–7 days, while bacterial infections, like strep throat, may persist until antibiotic treatment begins. If symptoms are severe or last beyond a week, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider.

Quick relief for a sore throat includes warm saltwater gargles, throat lozenges, and drinking warm fluids like tea or broth. Over-the-counter pain relievers can reduce soreness within an hour. While no treatment “kills” a sore throat instantly, these measures help ease symptoms and speed up recovery.

Pain when swallowing can be caused by throat inflammation from viral or bacterial infections, allergies, or irritants like smoke. This discomfort is due to swelling in the throat tissues, which makes swallowing painful. If the pain is severe or persists, especially with other symptoms like fever, consult a doctor for evaluation.

Open the intake form and choose one of the following options:

  • Urgent Care: For immediate treatment of your sore throat via virtual care.
  • Set Up an Appointment: To schedule a same-day or future appointment.
  • Prescription Refill: Use this option if you have lost or forgotten your medication.

Next, select how you would like to receive appointment offers from doctors.
We recommend using WhatsApp as it is faster and more reliable. You will quickly receive various visit options. Choose the one that suits you best and proceed to online payment.

Video visits are browser-based, so no apps are needed. Simply click the link you receive to start your video visit in your browser.

After the consultation, expect to receive an invoice and an e-prescription via email. You can show or print the e-prescription to purchase medication at the pharmacy of your choice.

Following the consultation, the doctor will either email the e-prescription to you or send it via WhatsApp. You can then either print it out or show it directly to the pharmacist when purchasing the medication.

It’s important to understand that doctors must responsibly evaluate each case individually. They can’t simply prescribe medication solely based on a patient’s request or a recommendation from another doctor without confirming that it’s suitable for the patient’s specific condition.

The total cost may differ based on the providers. Each one competes for your request, offering a fair price tailored to your needs. On average, an online doctor visit costs 25 Euros. Prices for in-person appointments, specialists, and lab work vary by city. You can send a request to learn more—there’s no commitment to book, and you can select your provider.

Please note that the visit fee doesn’t cover medication expenses, but common antibiotics are quite affordable in Europe. The cost of antibiotic treatment typically ranges from 5 to 15 euros approximately.

Yes, whenever you submit your request it is instantly received by the doctors active at that time. Whether it’s late at night, on a Sunday morning, or on New Year’s Eve, there’s always someone on the other side who’s ready to see you. When you receive an option for an appointment, there’s a person behind it (a doctor) who’s read your request and is willing to assist you.

You can message your physician with follow-up questions at no additional cost for up to 7 days after the video visit.

More questions?

Check out the Help Center to learn more.
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