Health Sore throat
What’s causing your
sore throat?
Sore throats are common and usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Here are some of the common causes and how you can soothe the soreness
Sore throats may feel uncomfortable but they’re not usually anything to worry about and should get better within a week or so. They can often be treated at home, and in most cases you shouldn’t need to see your GP unless your symptoms are severe or they are still troublesome after a week. Here’s a quick guide to some of the most common causes of
sore throat:
Colds and flu It’s common to experience a sore throat when you have a cold, and you may sometimes have one when you’re down with flu. Once your virus clears up, your throat should feel much better too. For more information on treating colds and flu, turn to page 9.
Laryngitis This is the medical term for inflammation of the voice box (larynx). If you have laryngitis your voice may also sound hoarse and you may have difficulties talking, usually caused by straining your voice. You may also have a dry cough and feel you constantly need to clear your throat. Laryngitis can be caused by a cold or flu, or another throat infection
such as pharyngitis and tonsillitis. Most cases, however, get better without treatment within a week.
Tonsillitis This is when your tonsils – a pair of soft tissue masses at the back of your throat – become inflamed. Common in children, teenagers and young adults, it’s usually caused by a viral infection – often a cold or flu – though sometimes it can be the result of a bacterial infection. Other symptoms besides a sore throat include earache, a high
temperature (38C and higher), coughing and headache. In most cases, the symptoms should pass within three or four days.
Strep throat An infection caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pyogenes, this can cause fever, headache, body aches and swollen lymph nodes in the neck and under the jaw, in addition to a sudden sore, red throat and pain on swallowing. Strep throat can also cause tonsillitis. If you think you may have strep throat, your GP can test for it by
swabbing your throat. If the result is positive, the usual treatment is a course of antibiotics.
Glandular fever Mostly affecting young adults, glandular fever can cause a severe sore throat as well as a high temperature, extreme tiredness and swollen glands in the neck. It’s caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, which can be spread through kissing, exposure to coughs and sneezes, and sharing things like cups, cutlery and glasses. There’s no treatment for glandular fever, but
you should see your GP if you suspect you have it, and they can give you advice on managing the symptoms. Most of the symptoms should last two or three weeks, but some people can continue to feel tired for a while longer.
Throat-soothing treatments
If your throat feels sore, there are several things you can do that may make it feel better:
• Take an over-the-counter pain relief medicine such as paracetamol or ibuprofen – ask your local Careway pharmacist to recommend the best medicine for you.
• Drink lots of fluids – cool or warm drinks are best, avoid drinking anything very hot
• Eat soft, cool foods. • Gargle with warm salty water.
• Try sucking a throat lozenge or pastille – your pharmacist can recommend one that may help – or an ice cube or ice lolly. Your pharmacist may also recommend a throat spray if you need it.
• Try not to smoke and avoid places where other people may be smoking.
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