3 Common Misconceptions About Sore Throat (and the Truth Behind Them)

Key takeaways

• What causes a sore throat? A sore throat is a symptom rather than a standalone disease. It can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, as well as non-infectious triggers such as vocal strain, acid reflux, air pollution, or irritation.^7-10
• Can citrus juice cure a sore throat? No. Although citrus fruits contain Vitamin C, acidic juices can irritate an already inflamed throat and may make discomfort worse.^2-4
• Will every sore throat go away on its own? Uncomplicated viral sore throats are self-limiting, but bacterial infections such as strep throat may require medical evaluation and prescription antibiotics. ^9-11
• How can you relieve sore throat pain? Staying hydrated, avoiding irritants, and getting enough rest can help with comfort. For throat pain and inflammation, medicines containing benzydamine hydrochloride can provide anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and local anesthetic action.⁵
• When should you see a doctor? Seek medical advice if your sore throat is severe, persistent, worsening, or accompanied by symptoms that may indicate a bacterial infection or another condition requiring medical attention.

A sore throat is common, but not every piece of advice about how to manage it is accurate. Some familiar remedies may provide comfort, while others can irritate an already inflamed throat or cause you to overlook an infection that needs medical attention.¹

So, what should you actually believe about a sore throat? Here are three common misconceptions—and the facts you should know instead.

1. Does Drinking Citrus Juice Cure a Sore Throat?

The Myth

Drinking lemon juice, concentrated orange juice, or other citrus drinks is sometimes thought to help cure a sore throat because citrus fruits contain Vitamin C.

The Truth

Citrus juice does not instantly cure a sore throat. While Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that supports normal immune function, acidic citrus juices can irritate an already inflamed throat and may make it feel more uncomfortable.^2-4

Lemons, oranges, and limes contain citric acid, which can sting irritated throat tissues.² Citrus fruits also contain Vitamin C,³ but consuming Vitamin C should not be considered a direct treatment for an existing sore throat.

What Can You Drink When You Have a Sore Throat?

If acidic drinks make your throat uncomfortable, choose gentler, non-acidic fluids to help maintain hydration. Warm herbal teas or honey-infused drinks may also provide soothing comfort.²

The goal is simple: stay hydrated without adding further irritation to an already painful or inflamed throat.

2. Is a Sore Throat a Disease?

The Myth

“Sore throat” is sometimes treated as though it were a specific disease or diagnosis on its own.

The Truth

A sore throat is a symptom, not a standalone disease. Medically, throat inflammation is often referred to as pharyngitis, and it can have several different causes.^6-10

What Causes a Sore Throat?

Sore throat can generally be associated with infectious or non-infectious causes.

Infectious causes include:

• Viral infections: Most sore throats are associated with viruses, including viruses that cause the common cold or flu.^7-8
• Bacterial infections: Bacteria such as Group A Streptococcus can cause strep throat.⁹

Non-infectious causes include:

• Vocal strain from prolonged speaking, shouting, or singing
• Dry or polluted air
• Exposure to environmental irritants
• Spicy or very hot foods
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux¹⁰

This is why not every sore throat should be managed in exactly the same way. A sore throat associated with a common cold may improve as the viral infection resolves, while one caused by strep throat may require medical evaluation and prescription of antibiotics.

3. Will Every Sore Throat Go Away on Its Own?

The Myth

If you have a sore throat, you can simply wait for it to disappear because all sore throats eventually resolve without medical treatment.

The Truth

Uncomplicated viral sore throats can get better on their own, but not every sore throat should be left untreated. Viral sore throats are generally self-limiting and may resolve within several days.¹⁰ However, bacterial infections such as strep throat can require specific medical treatment.⁹

How Can You Tell If a Sore Throat Might Be Strep?

Strep throat is caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria. It can develop suddenly and may be accompanied by fever, swollen tonsils, and swollen lymph nodes. Unlike many viral respiratory infections, strep throat typically does not come with a cough or runny nose.⁹

However, symptoms alone cannot reliably confirm strep throat. A healthcare professional may need to evaluate you and may perform appropriate testing before antibiotics are prescribed.

Do I Need Antibiotics for a Sore Throat?

Not necessarily. Most sore throat cases are associated with viral infections, which antibiotics do not treat. Antibiotics may be prescribed when a bacterial infection such as strep throat is confirmed or considered appropriate by a healthcare professional.⁹

Untreated strep throat can potentially lead to complications such as acute rheumatic fever and kidney inflammation.¹¹ If strep throat is confirmed, prescription antibiotics may be needed to treat the bacterial infection and help prevent complications.^9,11

What Can You Do to Relieve Sore Throat Pain?

Once you understand what may be causing your sore throat, the next question is often: “What can I do to make my sore throat feel better?”

For many viral sore throats, supportive measures such as adequate hydration, avoiding further throat irritation, and getting enough rest can help you stay comfortable while the illness runs its course.

But when throat pain and inflammation are the main concerns, treatment can also focus on relieving these symptoms. Medicines containing benzydamine hydrochloride provide anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and local anesthetic action.⁵

How Does Benzydamine Hydrochloride Help With Sore Throat Pain?

Benzydamine hydrochloride is a topical treatment used for inflammatory conditions of the mouth and throat. Its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and local anesthetic properties can help address both inflammation and the pain associated with it.⁵

This is where Benzydamine hydrochloride (Difflam) can fit into sore throat care. Rather than simply addressing discomfort, benzydamine provides action against inflammation while also helping relieve pain.

It is also worth noting that it is the Philippines’ most prescribed sore throat brand by doctors.¹³

The different product formats of Benzydamine hydrochloride (Difflam) provide options depending on how someone prefers to manage sore throat pain and inflammation.

Which Difflam Format Is Right for You?

Benzydamine hydrochloride (Difflam Forte) Throat Spray provides relief in as fast as 60 seconds.¹⁴ Its long, multidirectional nozzle helps direct the spray toward painful and inflamed areas, including hard-to-reach areas of the mouth and throat.

Benzydamine HCl (Difflam) Lozenges contain benzydamine hydrochloride, providing anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and local anesthetic benefits. The lozenge slowly dissolves in the mouth, releasing its active ingredient to the mouth and throat, to provide soothing relief.

For those looking for an added antiseptic benefit, Benzydamine HCl + Cetylpyridinium Cl (Difflam) Lozenges combine benzydamine hydrochloride with cetylpyridinium chloride, an antiseptic ingredient.¹²

Benzydamine hydrochloride (Difflam) Solution is a gargle/rinse containing benzydamine hydrochloride. It provides anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and local anesthetic activity and is used topically for conditions of the mouth and throat.^15-17

Meanwhile, Benzydamine hydrochloride + Chlorhexidine gluconate (Difflam-C) Solution combines benzydamine hydrochloride with chlorhexidine gluconate, providing anti-inflammatory, analgesic, local anesthetic, and added antiseptic benefits.^16-18

In simple terms, the different formats allow consumers to choose an appropriate form of sore throat care based on their needs and the product’s directions for use.

When Should You See a Doctor for a Sore Throat?

Most sore throats are not serious, but persistent or severe symptoms should not simply be ignored.

Consider consulting a doctor if:

• Your sore throat is severe or getting worse.
• Your symptoms persist or do not improve as expected.
• You have symptoms that may suggest a bacterial infection.
• You have difficulty breathing, swallowing or other concerning symptoms.
• You are unsure whether your symptoms are caused by a viral infection, bacterial
  infection, or another condition.

A healthcare professional can help determine the likely cause and recommend the appropriate treatment.