What are my solutions for my throat pain?

Question

Hello! For the past two days, my symptoms have been increasing; it hurts when I swallow, I feel like it stings in the back of my throat and I cough a little. I wonder if I have laryngitis.

Sarah-Yan Chagnon · Accepted Answer

Hello, If you have a sore throat that has appeared gradually accompanied by coughing, hoarseness of the voice or runny nose, this may suggest a viral pharyngitis. Thus, it is self-limiting in most cases within 3-5 days. Here is what can be used to reduce the symptoms: Taking an anti-inflammatory (ex: Advil/ibuprofen or Aleeve/Naproxen) Taking Tylenol/acetaminophen Take certain lozenges (e.g., Cepacol extra strength) or sprays (e.g., Chloraseptic) that will numb the throat and reduce pain Eat cold, liquid or easy-to-swallow foods Avoid hot, spicy or acidic foods (e.g. juice, tomato, coffee) If you have a runny nose, which can lead to throat irritation, use a saline nasal spray to clean the nose If your sore throat is bacterial in origin, it creates more severe symptoms such as a severe throat pain that appears abruptly. This is sometimes accompanied by swollen glands or fever. There is no cough or runny nose in these cases. From the description you give me, this does not seem to be your case. I look forward to hearing from you, Sarah-Yan Chagnon, pharmacist