What should you know about a really sore throat?

Pain with a runny nose, cough or hoarse voice commonly occurs with the Common Cold or Influenza. COVID-19 can also present with throat pain, with or without other respiratory symptoms. Strep Throat may cause marked pain when swallowing, fever and swollen neck glands, while Tonsillitis can make the tonsils enlarged or coated. Glandular Fever may bring pronounced tiredness and swollen glands. Dry air, mouth breathing, Allergic Rhinitis and Acid Reflux can irritate the throat without an infection.

Sip cool or warm fluids and choose soft foods if swallowing hurts. Rest your voice, avoid smoke, and use a humidifier if the air feels dry. Gargling with warm salt water may soothe adults and older children who can gargle safely. A pharmacist can advise whether paracetamol or ibuprofen is suitable for you; follow the label and check before using ibuprofen if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcers, take blood thinners or are pregnant. Do not share antibiotics or use leftover medicine.

Seek urgent help if you have trouble breathing, cannot swallow saliva, are drooling, develop rapidly increasing neck or throat swelling, or feel faint. Arrange prompt medical review for severe one-sided pain, difficulty opening your mouth, dehydration, a persistent high fever, or symptoms that are worsening rather than settling. A clinician may examine your throat and decide whether testing or prescription treatment is appropriate.

Ask whether your symptoms fit a viral illness, Strep Throat or Tonsillitis; whether a throat test is needed; which pain relief is safe with your medicines; and what change should prompt an urgent review.