SORE THROAT
Sore throat (pharyngitis) is very common. It is usually caused
by a virus infection. 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 to 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. See our Tonsillitis page
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 very 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 to 4 minutes. You can do this 3 to 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 within a few days
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 to 4 days. See our Glandular Fever page
Source: Adapted with permission from a © document supplied by EMIS and PIP
NHS
Direct 0845 46 47 www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
