Sore throat (pharyngitis) is very common. It is usually caused by a viral infection or less commonly, a bacterial infection.

In addition, you may have:

• A hoarse voice
• A mild cough
• A high temperature (fever)
• A headache
• A feeling of wanting to be sick (nausea)
• Tiredness
• Swollen glands in your neck
• Pain when you swallow.

The soreness tends to worsen over 2 to 3 days and then gradually goes within a week, though in about 10% of cases the soreness may last longer than that.

What is the best treatment for a sore throat?

• Doing nothing may be a sensible option- many throat infections are mild and get better by themselves.
• Plenty of fluids: it is tempting not to drink very much if it’s feeling painful to swallow. But you may become dehydrated, particularly if you also have a high
  temperature (fever). Dehydration can make headaches and tiredness much worse. So it’s important to maintain good fluid intake.
• Painkillers and anti-inflammatories can help ease symptoms.
• Various throat sprays and lozenges can be bought in pharmacies or supermarkets, and may give some relief also

What about antibiotics?

• Antibiotics are usually pointless, because most sore throats are caused by viruses, and antibiotics do not work against viral infections.
• Even if it is a bacterial infection, your immune system is often able to clear it without the need for medication.
• It is also important to remember that antibiotics can cause side-effects such as diarrhoea, rashes, thrush and stomach upset. Therefore, doctors do not prescribe antibiotics for most sore throats.

Signs of a bacterial infection

If 3 or 4 of these symptoms are present it is more likely that a throat infection is caused by bacteria:

• Pus on the tonsils
• Sore lymph glands in the neck
• NOT having a cough
• High temperature (fever)

In this case, antibiotic treatment may be necessary, so you should consider seeing a doctor.

• There are also special throat swabs that can be done on the spot by your doctor, to check for bacteria- these swabs can give a result within a few minutes.
• If symptoms are severe, unusual, or if they do not ease within a week, it is advisable see your doctor.
• Complications are pretty rare, but sometimes a sore throat can have a more serious cause, such as an abscess behind the tonsil (QUINSY)- in this case the person is usually very ill and will find swallowing almost impossible.