Sore throats are commonly associated with upper respiratory tract infections, mainly caused by viruses and, to a lesser extent, bacteria.
The pharmacological treatment of upper respiratory tract infections is mainly symptomatic and antibiotics should not be used when there is no evidence of bacterial infection, i.e. oral amoxicillin is not effective. Decongestant medications, antihistamines and cough suppressants may be used. For patients with fever, severe illness or the elderly and frail, early medical attention is recommended, as well as quitting smoking, drinking plenty of water, eating a light diet and maintaining nasal, pharyngeal and oral hygiene.