Allan advises immediately replacing your toothbrush with a fresh, germ-free one. What are the best ways to soothe throat pain? See six doctor-recommended home remedies for sore throat — along with two sore throat remedies you should avoid.
And learn when you should see a doctor about your symptoms. Learn more about vaccine availability. Advertising Policy. You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter. Related Articles. Strep Throat or Sore Throat? Best Ways You Can Tell. Trending Topics. What Parents Need to Know. Share this article via email with one or more people using the form below. Send me expert insights each week in Health Essentials News. If your child has repeated infections of the tonsils tonsillitis , a tonsillectomy may be considered.
Read more about treating tonsillitis. If you are years of age with a persistent sore throat, you may have glandular fever also known as infectious mononucleosis, or mono. This is a type of viral infection with symptoms that can last up to six weeks. A persistent sore throat can also be a symptom of some types of cancer, such as throat cancer. This type of cancer is rare and mainly affects people over the age of In the UK every year, 5, people are diagnosed with cancer of the oropharynx the area at the back of your throat or mouth.
Read more about mouth cancer. In some cases, a sore throat may be caused by substances that irritate the throat. Sources can include:. You may find that avoiding these substances, or seeking treatment for an allergy or GORD, can help to reduce symptoms of a sore throat.
If you smoke, giving up will reduce irritation to your throat and strengthen your defences against infection. The Quit Your Way Scotland service can offer you advice and encouragement to help you quit smoking. Phone Quit Your Way Scotland free on 84 84 84 8. 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. 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.
Home Illnesses and conditions Ears, nose and throat Sore throat. Sore throat See all parts of this guide Hide guide parts 1. About sore throats 2. Causes of a sore throat 3. Treating a sore throat. About sore throats Sore throats are very common and usually nothing to worry about. Most are caused by minor illnesses such as colds or flu and can be treated at home.
Treatments for a sore throat The following measures can often help soothe a sore throat: take ibuprofen or paracetamol — paracetamol is better for children and for people who can't take ibuprofen note that children under 16 should never take aspirin drink plenty of cool or warm fluids, and avoid very hot drinks eat cool, soft foods avoid smoking and smoky places gargle with a homemade mouthwash of warm, salty water suck lozenges, hard sweets, ice cubes or ice lollies — but don't give young children anything small and hard to suck because of the risk of choking There are also products such as medicated lozenges and sprays sold in pharmacies that you may want to try.
Sore throat self-help guide If you have a sore throat, complete our self-help guide to assess your symptoms and find out what to do next. Causes of a sore throat The cause of a sore throat isn't always obvious. Common causes A sore throat is often a symptom of: colds or flu — you may also have a blocked or runny nose, a cough , a high temperature fever , a headache and general aches laryngitis inflammation of the voice box — you may also have a hoarse voice, a dry cough and a constant need to clear your throat tonsillitis inflammation of the tonsils — you may also have red or spotty tonsils, discomfort when swallowing and a fever strep throat a bacterial throat infection — you may also have swollen glands in your neck, discomfort when swallowing and tonsillitis glandular fever — you may also feel very tired and have a fever and swollen glands in your neck It may also be caused by something irritating your throat, such as smoke, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease where acid leaks up from the stomach and allergies.
Less common causes Less often, a sore throat can be a sign of: quinsy a painful collection of pus at the back of the throat — the pain may be severe and you may also have difficulty opening your mouth or difficulty swallowing epiglottitis inflammation of the flap of tissue at the back of the throat — the pain may be severe and you may have difficulty breathing and difficulty swallowing These conditions are more serious and should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible see below.
Pharmacy First Scotland: Sore throat treatment from your pharmacy If you have a sore throat you can get advice and treatment directly from a pharmacy. Find your local pharmacy on Scotland's Service Directory. You don't usually need to get medical advice if you have a sore throat however your pharmacist may advise you see your GP if: your symptoms are severe you have persistent symptoms that haven't started to improve after a week you experience severe sore throats frequently you have a weak immune system — for example, you have HIV , are having chemotherapy , or are taking medication that suppresses your immune system If they're not open, you should phone the NHS 24 service If you have a persistent sore throat one that lasts three to four weeks , you should see your GP who may refer you for further tests.
Causes of a sore throat A sore throat is often just one symptom of a bacterial or viral infection, such as the common cold. Catching an infection The bacterium or virus that causes a sore throat is usually caught from someone else who is already infected. Treat it quickly to prevent it from spreading to others. Another fairly common throat infection is tonsillitis, which occurs when you have sore, swollen tonsils Structures in the back of your throat that help prevent infection by trapping germs that come in through your nose and mouth.
If you have frequent bouts of tonsillitis or strep throat, you may need surgery called a tonsillectomy to have your tonsils removed. The best way to protect yourself from the germs that cause these infections is to wash your hands often. Try to steer clear of people who have colds or other contagious infections. And avoid smoking and inhaling second-hand smoke, which can irritate your throat. Editor: Harrison Wein, Ph. Managing Editor: Tianna Hicklin, Ph. Illustrator: Alan Defibaugh.
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