Sore throat

Common symptoms

• A painful, dry or scratchy throat
• Pain when swallowing
• Red or swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches
• Swollen glands in the neck
• A hoarse voice
• A cough, runny nose or blocked nose (this points towards a cold)
• A mild temperature and headache

What causes it

Most sore throats are caused by viruses. A smaller number are caused by bacteria, such as strep throat. It is hard to tell the two apart just by looking, which is why a pharmacist uses a scoring tool that takes into account your symptoms and how long you have had them.

Not every sore throat is an infection. Smoking or smoky air, very dry air, allergies, acid reflux and shouting or straining your voice can all irritate the throat.

What you can do yourself

• Drink plenty of fluids — warm or cool, whichever feels better.
• Eat cool, soft foods if swallowing hurts.
• Take paracetamol or ibuprofen if they are suitable for you. Follow the pack, and ask us first if you take other medicines, are pregnant, or have asthma, stomach ulcers, or kidney, liver or heart problems.
• Try throat lozenges or sprays. Check the age range on the pack, and ask us for children.
• Adults and older children can gargle with warm salty water (do not swallow it).
• Rest, and avoid smoking and smoky places.
• Stay at home if you have a temperature and feel unwell, to avoid passing on the infection.

How PRX Pharmacy can help

Through Pharmacy First, our pharmacists can assess a sore throat in anyone aged 5 or over without a GP appointment. They will ask about your symptoms, check for warning signs and work out how likely a bacterial infection is.

If antibiotics are likely to help, they may be able to supply them. If not, we will explain why and advise on pain relief and self-care. Antibiotics do not help most sore throats, and they can cause side effects, so they are only used when there is a good reason.

For children under 5, please contact your GP practice or call 111.