...
How to treat a sore throat yourself To help soothe a sore throat and shorten how long it lasts, you can:gargle with warm, salty water (children should not try this)drink plenty of watereat cool or soft foodsavoid smoking or smoky placessuck ice cubes, ice lollies o...
A pharmacist can help with sore throats You can ask a pharmacist about ways of relieving the pain and discomfort of a sore throat, such as:paracetamol or ibuprofenmedicated lozenges containing a local anaesthetic, antiseptic, or anti-inflammatory medicineanaestheti...
Non-urgent advice: Speak to a GP if: your sore throat does not improve after a weekyou often get a sore throat...
Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get advice from 111 now if: you're worried about your sore throatyou have a sore throat and a very high temperature, or you feel hot and shiveryyou have a weakened immune system – for example, because...
Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E now if: You or your child:have difficulty breathing or are unable to swalloware drooling – this can be a sign of not being able to swalloware making a high-pitched sound as you breathe (called strid...
Sore throat symptoms If you have a sore throat you might have:a painful throat, especially when swallowinga dry, scratchy throatredness in the back of your mouthbad breatha mild coughswollen neck glandsThe symptoms are similar for children, but children can also ge...
Causes of sore throats Sore throats are usually caused by viruses (like cold or flu) or from smoking. Very occasionally they can be caused by bacteria. A sore throat can also be caused by:laryngitistonsillitisstrep throat (a bacterial throat infection)glandular fe...