Sore throat symptoms vary from person to person and can be quite painful. They can also feel itchy or irritated, and may be accompanied by a runny nose, cough or fever.
The most common cause of a sore throat is a virus, usually a cold or flu. It is important to get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. It should clear up within a week or so.
If you are worried that your sore throat is caused by something serious, see your doctor. They will ask you about your symptoms and do a physical exam to see what’s wrong. They may swab your throat for bacteria. This test is called a throat culture and will take 24 to 48 hours to come back.
Other causes of a sore throat include acid reflux, tonsil stones, muscle tension and mononucleosis (mono). If you have recurrent strep throat or frequent throat infections, you might want to consider getting your tonsils removed.
You can help with the pain of a sore throat by using over-the-counter medication, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, and swallowing hard candy or lozenges. These should not be given to babies under 6 months old because they can choke on them.
Keep your throat clean by washing it frequently with warm water and soap or a mild, non-alcohol hand sanitiser. If you have a sore throat that lasts longer than 2 weeks, call your doctor and ask them to swab it for testing.
Antibiotics are not usually prescribed for a sore throat, even if it’s caused by a bacterial infection. These medications are unlikely to make you feel better any quicker and have unpleasant side effects.
If your sore throat is caused by a cold or the flu, it will usually go away in 5 to 7 days without treatment. However, if it is a more serious illness or if you’re worried about the symptoms, speak to your doctor and they may prescribe some medicines to treat the condition.
They might also ask you to keep a diary of your symptoms, including the length and severity of them, to find out if they are recurring.
A sore throat that is accompanied by high fever and a rash should be seen by a doctor quickly. They might do a throat culture or a blood test to find out what is wrong.
Bacterial or viral infections can be the most common cause of a sore throat in children. They normally start with a cold or the flu and will have a runny nose, cough and fever.
Viral infections can also lead to a swollen gland in the neck and may develop into a more serious illness, such as strep throat or tonsillitis. These infections need treatment with antibiotics to prevent them from spreading.
Some people are more likely to get a sore throat, for example older adults and babies. These are more likely to be prone to developing a sore throat because they have a weaker immune system.
