Sore Throat
A sore throat normally goes after a few days. Treatment can ease the symptoms. See a doctor if symptoms are severe or persist.
Sore throat (pharyngitis) is very common. It is usually caused by a virus infection. Soreness in the throat may be the only symptom. In addition, you may also have a hoarse voice, mild cough, fever, headache, feel sick, feel tired, and the glands in your neck may swell. It may be painful to swallow. Symptoms typically get worse over 2-3 days and then gradually go, usually within a week. You may also develop a sore throat if you have a cold or flu-like illness.
Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils at the back of the mouth. Symptoms are similar to a sore throat, but may be more severe. In particular, fever and generally feeling unwell tend to be worse. You may be able to see some pus which looks like white spots on the enlarged red tonsils.
What is the treatment for sore throat and tonsillitis?
• Not treating is an option as many throat infections are mild and soon get better.
• Have plenty to drink. It is tempting not to drink much if it is painful to swallow. You may become mildly
dehydrated if you don't drink much, particularly if you also have a fever. Mild dehydration can make headaches and tiredness much worse.
• Paracetamol or ibuprofen ease pain, headache, and fever. To keep symptoms to a minimum it is best to take a dose at regular intervals as recommended on the packet of medication rather than 'now and then'. For example, take paracetamol four times a day until symptoms ease.
• Aspirin gargles may ease the soreness. (There is little research evidence to confirm that this is effective. However, it is a popular treatment and may be worth a try.) Dissolve some soluble aspirin in water and gargle for 3-4 minutes. You can do this 3-4 times a day. Spit out the aspirin after gargling. (Note: you should not give aspirin to children under 16.)
• Other gargles, lozenges, and sprays that you can buy at pharmacies may help to soothe a sore throat. However, they do not shorten the illness. They tend be expensive, and may do little extra to ease symptoms than the above measures.
Do I need an antibiotic?
Usually not. Most throat and tonsil infections are caused by viruses, although some are caused by bacteria. Without tests, it is usually not possible to tell if it is a viral or bacterial infection. Antibiotics kill bacteria, but do not kill viruses. However, an antibiotic is not thought to make much difference even if a bacterium is the cause. Your immune system usually clears these infections quickly whether caused by viruses or bacteria. Also, antibiotics can sometimes cause side-effects such as diarrhoea, rash, and stomach upsets. So, they are not commonly prescribed for a sore throat.
An antibiotic may be advised if the infection is severe, if it is not easing after a few days, or if your immune system is not working properly (for example, if you have had your spleen removed or if you are taking chemotherapy, etc).
Occasionally a throat or tonsil infection is due to an uncommon cause, such as glandular fever. See a doctor if symptoms are severe, or if they do not ease within 3-4 days.
