Download Suffering with a Sore Throat

A SORE THROAT
A sore throat (pharyngitis) is normally a symptom of a bacterial or viral infection, such as the
common cold. In around a third of cases, no cause for the sore throat can be found.
If you have a sore throat, you may also have:
Swollen tonsils (tonsillitis)
Enlarged and tender glands in your neck
Discomfort when swallowing
If your sore throat is caused by bacteria or a virus, you may also experience symptoms associated
with common infectious conditions, such as:
A high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or over
Aching muscles or tiredness
A headache
A cough
A runny nose
Sore throats are not usually serious and often pass in three to seven days. There are some
treatments you can use at home to relieve your symptoms.
Most sore throats are not serious and usually pass without the need for medical treatment. Overthe-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, and self-care tips can usually help to
relieve the symptoms of a sore throat without the need to see a GP.
Antibiotics are not usually prescribed for a sore throat, unless it is particularly severe or you are
considered at risk of a more serious infection.
For treating sore throats, over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol, are usually
recommended. These may also help reduce a high temperature (fever).
You should not take aspirin or ibuprofen if you have:
Asthma
Current or past stomach problems, such as a stomach ulcer
Current or past liver or kidney problems
Children under the age of 16 should never be given aspirin.
Take painkillers as necessary to relieve your pain. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions so
you do not exceed the recommended or prescribed dose.
Self-care tips
If you or someone in your family has a sore throat, the tips below may help relieve the symptoms:
Avoid food or drink that is too hot, as this could irritate the throat
Eat cool, soft food and drink cool or warm liquids
Adults and older children can suck lozenges, hard sweets, ice cubes or ice lollies
Avoid smoking and smoky environments
Regularly gargling with a mouthwash of warm, salty water may help reduce swelling or pain
Drink enough fluids, especially if you have a fever
Steam inhalation is not recommended, as it's unlikely to help a sore throat and there is a risk of
scalding
Antibiotics
The use of antibiotics is not usually recommended for treating sore throats. This is because most
sore throats are not caused by bacteria.
Even if your sore throat is caused by bacteria, antibiotics have very little effect on the severity of the
symptoms and how long they last, and may cause unpleasant side effects.
Overusing antibiotics to treat minor ailments can also make them less effective in the treatment of
life-threatening conditions. This is known as antibiotic resistance.
Giving up smoking
If you smoke, giving up will reduce irritation to your throat and strengthen your defences against
infection.
The NHS Smoking Helpline can offer you advice and encouragement to help you quit smoking. You
can call the helpline free of charge on 0300 123 1044 (England only) or visit the NHS Smokefree
website.
Your GP or pharmacist will also be able to give you help and advice about giving up smoking, or you
can read more about quitting smoking.
Preventing a sore throat
As sore throats are caused by bacterial or viral infections, they can be difficult to prevent.
If you have a sore throat caused by an infection, you can help prevent the infection spreading by
practising good hygiene, such as washing your hands regularly and keeping surfaces clean and free
of germs.