Sore throats
Background to sore throats
Sore throats have a wide variety of causes, most commonly viruses such as the common cold, flu, and COVID. In terms of other infections, bacteria such as Streptococcus can also cause sore throats. There are also non-infectious causes of sore throat, such as hay fever, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (acid reflux), physical irritation from environmental sources such as smoke or weather, and some medications.
Most sore throats will affect the top of the throat which can be seen at the back of the mouth (known as the pharynx), whereas others can affect the larynx (voice box), which is lower down in the neck.
What is the impact of a sore throat?
Sore throats can make eating, drinking and swallowing uncomfortable. Depending on the cause, there may be other symptoms present such as:
- Having a temperature.
- White spots on the tonsils or back of the throat.
- A cough, runny nose, and other general cold/flu symptoms.
- A hoarse voice, or losing the voice altogether.
More severe sore throats can cause breathing difficulty, a total inability to swallow, or an inability to open the mouth properly. Please seek emergency advice from 111/999 if you have these symptoms.
Treatments
- Our clinicians will assess you to determine the most likely cause of your symptoms, many of which will be able to be managed with over-the-counter products and simple self-care measures such as staying well-hydrated, drinking honey & lemon drinks, and resting.
- Where symptoms cannot be managed with over-the-counter treatments, a range other products may be prescribed by our clinicians.
- Book an appointment below to discuss your symptoms with one of our clinicians.
- NOTE: Patients from the age of 5 may be eligible for supply of antibiotics through the NHS Pharmacy First service- please book an appointment below and ask the clinician you speak to whether this service will cover your needs. Please be aware that this service MUST be done as a video call. The consultation fee deposit is refundable if the clinician confirms eligibility for Pharmacy First service.
For more information
Visit the NHS website
Book an Appointment
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