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Sore Throat

doctor examining Sore Throat

Sore Throat

What is a sore throat?
Inflammation of the tissues in the larynx, pharynx and tonsils cause the symptoms we associate with sore throats. Uncomplicated sore throats usually last up to 3 days and are linked with the flu and colds. Coughing, which is a symptom of both infections can aggravate the throat and make it feel worse. A severe sore throat, that lasts over 3 days could be a symptom of a more serious condition like tonsillitis or laryngitis. Sore throats also accompany many viral infections such as measles, mumps, chicken pox, glandular fever and whooping cough. All these conditions are highly contagious and can cause epidemics, especially during the winter months.

What causes a sore throat?

Sore throats are normally caused by either a viral or bacterial infection. The most important difference between a virus and bacteria is that bacteria respond well to antibiotic treatment and viruses do not. A sore throat is spread by: sharing drinks, kissing, coughing, nose blowing, and sneezing.

Viral sore throats

The majority of sore throats are caused by a viral infection, like those which cause colds and flu. These are most common in the winter, when we spend more time indoors in contact with other people, enabling germs to spread rapidly. A viral infection can lead to a more serious bacterial infection once the immune system has been weakened. When your sore throat is caused by a viral infection there is no immediate treatment. Fortunately, viral infections usually only last a few days as the body is normally able to fight off the infection by itself.

Bacterial sore throats

Bacteria can cause more serious sore throats, that can lead to conditions such as tonsillitis or ear infections. Bacteria can cause the throat to become very inflamed and sore. In most cases antibiotic treatment prescribed from your doctor will be the only successful treatment to help reduce the symptoms.

The bacteria that causes the majority of sore throats, is called streptococcus group A (strep A). Somebody who has a strep sore throat might have a sore throat with a fever that starts suddenly, without a cough or cold symptoms. Strep throat is very common in children.

Doctor fitting a neck brace on an elderly woman in a clinic.

What is tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is an infection of the lumpy tissue (tonsils) either side of the throat towards the back of the tongue. The tonsils and the back of the throat may look red, swollen and dotted with white/yellow specks of pus. When the tonsils become infected you may also experience a high temperature, headache and feel unwell. Tonsillitis may be caused by either a virus or bacteria, but the symptoms will be the same no matter which germ causes the infection. When bacteria cause tonsillitis it is always from strep A bacteria.
Symptoms of a sore throat caused by bacteria or a virus can include:
  • Painful red throat.
  • Swollen tonsils.
  • Difficulty in swallowing.
  • Swollen lymph glands and neck stiffness.
Sore Throat Test

If you answer yes to three of the questions below then you will be suitable to have our Sore Throat Test.

  • History of Fever
  • Lack of cough
  • Tonsillar exudates
  • Swollen tender anterior cervical nodes

Our pharmacists will swab the back of your throat and within 10 minutes we can let you know if you are positive or negative for Strep A.

Treatments

Most viruses subside in a few days and treatment is not necessary, antibiotics are not given to relieve throat pain in general, and usually the best advice would be to let nature take its course.

People with a sore throat caused by bacteria can be treated very easily with a course of antibiotics. Treatment is essential with bacterial infection to prevent more serious conditions developing. If your result is positive and you don’t have any other contra-indications, we can supply you with a course of antibiotics with no prescription necessary.

What can I do to make my sore throat better?

A UTI is usually caused when bacteria from faeces enters the urinary tract. The bacteria enters the tube that carries urine out of the body, otherwise known as Whether your sore throat is due to bacteria or a virus, the following will help to relieve your symptoms:

  • Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids.
  • Gargle with warm salty water.
  • If you have a temperature take paracetamol to reduce it.
  • Adults may try gargling with soluble aspirin before swallowing it.
  • Suck throat lozenges
  • Use throat sprays
  • Do not smoke.
  • Avoid alcohol

Our trained pharmacists are here to help with our test and treat service. No appointment is necessary.

FAQs

What are the most common causes of a sore throat?

Viral or bacterial reasons, such as strep throat, allergy, dry air, or even acid reflux, can cause sore throats, headache clinics will usually identify through needed evaluation which exact sore throat there may be.

How long is a sore throat supposed to last?

Ideally, symptoms will last just a few days when using the sore throat clinic, but it should be included in the protocol if it worsens with fever, swollen glands, or difficulty swallowing.

What kinds of sore throat treatments do you offer?

Sore throat treatments include antibiotics (for bacterial infections), anti-inflammatories, throat lozenges, saltwater gargles, and individualized advice for home care.

Can I treat a sore throat at home?

Most of the mild sore throats will get better by resting, drinking plenty of fluids and gargling with salt water. However, if they don’t go away, one should visit a specialist for Sore Throat treatment to avoid complications.

Are sore throats contagious?

Yes, many sore throats are caused due to viral or bacterial infections and are therefore contagious. Our sore throat clinic further advises how to prevent infection from spreading to others.

What is the average duration for recovery when given Sore Throat treatments?

The majority of patients will be better within days up to a week when given proper Sore Throat treatments depending on their cause and severity.

Do you provide an instant appointment for treatment of sore throat?

Surely, our sore throat clinic gives same-day fast appointments for diagnosis and immediate relief.

Are your Sore Throat treatments available for children?

Surely, safe and effective Sore Throat treatments are in-sessional and available in the clinic for children of any age, rendering gentle and thorough care.

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