Sore throat
A sore throat makes swallowing difficult and painful. When you have a sore throat, it is often dry, raspy and red. Sore throats usually clear up in a few days, even without treatment. An antibiotic is of usually of no benefit for sore throats, as the infection is usually viral.
Sometimes, however, a sore throat may be a streptococcal infection in children and adolescents. An untreated streptococcal throat infection may put such people at risk of rheumatic fever later.
Reducing inflammation will help ease the pain, and sucking ice may help soothe the throat. However, you should take care with sweet syrups and lozenges, particularly in children, as the sugar content may cause tooth decay. Diabetics should also avoid these medications.
When should you seek medical advice?
You should seek medical advice if:
- the person with a sore throat is under 12 years old;
- there are signs of oral thrush (white patches), especially if you are on inhaled corticosteroids or are a diabetic;
- you have difficulty breathing or talking;
- swallowing has been difficult for some time (a few weeks);
- you are also breathless;
- the sore throat has lasted for one or 2 weeks;
- you are on medicines that suppress the immune system, such as carbimazole, corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone), azathioprine, cyclophosphamide or cyclosporin;
- you have a high fever and general unwell feeling;
- there is vomiting;
- you have ear pain;
- your glands are swollen; or
- your sore throat has been persistent or recurrent, particularly in teenagers, as this may be a sign of glandular fever.
Last Reviewed: 28 May 2002
