Sore throats are very common and usually clear up on their own within a week. Most cases are caused by viruses and do not require medical treatment.
Causes of Sore Throats
Sore throats are usually caused by viruses (such as cold or flu) or smoking. Less commonly, they may be due to bacterial infections. Other possible causes include:
Laryngitis
Tonsillitis
Strep throat (bacterial throat infection)
Glandular fever
Symptoms of a Sore Throat
If you have a sore throat, you might experience:
Pain, especially when swallowing
A dry, scratchy throat
Redness at the back of the throat
Bad breath
Mild cough
Swollen neck glands
In children: high temperature and reduced activity levels
Self-Care Tips
To ease discomfort and support recovery:
Gargle with warm, salty water (not for children).
Drink plenty of fluids.
Eat cool or soft foods.
Avoid smoking and smoky environments.
Suck ice cubes, ice lollies, or hard sweets (not suitable for young children due to choking risk).
Rest.
Pharmacy Support
A pharmacist can recommend treatments such as:
Paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain relief.
Medicated lozenges with anaesthetic, antiseptic, or anti-inflammatory ingredients.
Anaesthetic sprays (though their effectiveness alone is uncertain).
These medicines are available over the counter, but always check suitability, especially if pregnant or taking other medication.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are not usually needed, as they don’t speed up recovery unless a bacterial infection is suspected. However, if a bacterial infection is identified, treatment may be available under the Pharmacy First scheme, allowing pharmacists to provide antibiotics where appropriate, without needing to see a GP.
