Bad cough and sore throat: what to know

A common cold, influenza or COVID-19 may inflame the throat and airways together. Strep throat and tonsillitis can cause marked throat pain, fever or painful swallowing; a cough may make a purely throat-based infection less typical, so examination can help.

Allergic rhinitis can cause throat irritation when mucus drains from the nose. Acid reflux may irritate the throat and provoke cough, often after meals or when lying down. Glandular fever is another possible cause of a severe sore throat with pronounced tiredness. These patterns overlap, so symptoms do not confirm one diagnosis.

Sip warm or cool fluids, choose soft foods, rest your voice and avoid tobacco smoke. Gargling warm salt water may soothe an adult or older child who can gargle safely. Honey can help a cough in people over one year; do not give it to infants.

Use pharmacy pain relief only as directed and ask a pharmacist about suitable options if you have other conditions, are pregnant, or are giving medicine to a child. Avoid sharing cups and utensils, wash hands regularly and stay home when feverish or clearly unwell.

Get urgent help if you cannot breathe comfortably, swallow saliva, open your mouth normally, or keep fluids down. Seek emergency care for confusion, fainting, blue lips or rapidly increasing swelling of the throat, tongue or face.

Arrange medical review for a high or persistent fever, severe one-sided throat pain, a muffled voice, a rash, worsening symptoms, or a cough that is not improving. A child who is unusually sleepy, breathing fast or passing much less urine needs prompt assessment.

Ask whether your throat needs examination or testing, which symptom relief is suitable, and whether reflux or allergy could be contributing. Tell the clinician about fever, swallowing, voice change, sick contacts, medicines, allergies and the timing of cough relative to meals or sleep.