Bad sore throat: what should you know?

A common cold, influenza or COVID-19 may bring sore throat with cough, runny nose, tiredness or fever. Strep throat commonly presents with a painful throat, fever, tender neck glands and inflamed tonsils, while cough may be absent. Tonsillitis can cause swollen tonsils and difficulty swallowing. Allergic rhinitis may irritate the throat through nasal drainage, and acid reflux can cause repeated throat irritation, especially after meals or when lying down.

Rest, sip cool or warm fluids, and choose soft foods if swallowing hurts. Avoid smoking and other throat irritants. Pain relief may help when suitable for you; follow the product directions and ask a pharmacist if you take other medicines or have a health condition. A clinician can examine your throat and decide whether testing is needed. Antibiotics help bacterial infections but do not treat viral causes.

Get urgent help if you have trouble breathing, cannot swallow saliva, develop rapidly increasing swelling, or cannot open your mouth normally. Seek prompt advice for dehydration, a severe one-sided throat pain, a muffled voice, or a persistent high fever. Arrange assessment when symptoms are worsening, recurring, or not improving as expected.

Could my symptoms fit a viral illness, strep throat, reflux or allergy? Do I need a throat test? Which pain-relief options are suitable for me, and what changes should prompt urgent help?