Get Free NHS Treatment for Sore Throat

A sore throat is defined as the feeling of pain anywhere in the throat. It can be characterised by painful swallowing. Usually, there is nothing to worry about and it typically resolves within a week.

Although mostly caused by viruses, such as the cold or flu virus, approximately 5-25% of adult sore throats are caused by a bacterial infection from group A Streptococcus (group A strep).

What are the causes of Sore Throat?

Sore throats can be caused by:

• Viruses, such as the cold or flu virus
• Tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils)
• Strep throat (also called streptococcal pharyngitis caused by bacterial group A Streptococcus)
• Smoking
• Mouth breathing at night while you sleep
• Pollution
• Allergies to pets, pollens and moulds
• Mononucleosis
• Sinus infections
• Acid reflux

What are the symptoms of a Sore Throat?

Symptoms of an acute sore throat can vary depending on the cause. However, you may experience one or more of the following:

• Pain or a scratchy sensation in the throat
• Pain that worsens with swallowing or talking
• Difficulty swallowing
• Sore, swollen glands in your neck or jaw
• Swollen, red tonsils
• White patches or pus on your tonsils
• A hoarse or muffled voice

How can I self-manage a Sore Throat?

You can use the following self-care methods to soothe a sore throat and shorten how long it lasts:

• Gargle with warm, salty water (not suitable for children)
  • Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water (warm water helps salt dissolve)
  • Gargle with the solution, then spit it out (do not swallow it)
• Drink plenty of water
• Eat cool or soft foods
• Avoid smoking or smoky places
• Suck ice cubes, ice lollies or hard sweets
• Rest
• Take paracetamol or ibuprofen
• Take medicated lozenges containing a local anaesthetic, antiseptic, or anti-inflammatory medicine
• Use anaesthetic spray (although there’s little proof they help when used on their own)
• Use a sore throat gargle (like Sanderson’s Throat Specific)

When to get advice from a GP

You should contact your GP if you suspect you have a Sore Throat and:

• You have a very high temperature, or you feel hot and shivery
• You have a weakened immune system – for example, because of an underlying health condition like diabetes or if you are being treated with immunosuppressive medications

You should go to A&E or Call 999 if:

• Are drooling – this can be a sign of not being able to swallow
• Are making a high-pitched sound as you breathe (called stridor)
• There are signs of inflammation of the epiglottitis (flap of tissue at the back of the throat) – the pain may be severe and you may have difficulty breathing and difficulty swallowing

Check if you qualify for FREE treatment with NHS Pharmacy First, without seeing your GP

You can check your eligibility to use the NHS Pharmacy First service if you suspect you have a Sore Throat and you:

• Are 18 years or over

And you have ONE or more of the following symptoms:

• A raised temperature (above 38C)
• Pain when swallowing
• Red, inflamed tonsils
• White, streaky patches on the tonsils

The NHS Pharmacy First service may NOT be suitable if:

• You have a weakened immune system – for example, because of an underlying health condition like diabetes or if you are being treated with immunosuppressive medication.
• Your sore throat symptoms been persisting for 12 months or have you had 7 episodes of sore throats over the last year
• Have difficulty breathing or are unable to swallow

The NHS Pharmacy First service is available to all NowPatient users who are registered with the NHS in England. If you are exempt from paying for your prescriptions, the service and the treatments are provided free of charge. If you are not exempt from paying prescription charges, treatments are provided at the prevailing NHS prescription charge rate. There is no charge for consultations.

What NHS Pharmacy First treatments are available for a Sore Throat?

You do not normally need antibiotics for a Sore Throat because they will not usually relieve your symptoms or speed up your recovery. You will only be considered for antibiotics if you or show signs of having a bacterial infection. Remember, most Sore Throats are viral in nature and will NOT respond to antibiotics.

What happens if I do not get treatment for a Sore Throat?

The vast majority of cases of Sore Throat are viral in nature and usually resolve within a week, without treatment.

Sources

• Mayo Clinic – Sore Throat symptoms and causes
• NHS – Sore Throat condition
• Clinical Pathways – Acute Sore Throat
• Wikipedia – Sore Throat