When to worry about sore throat with a common cold

A common cold can inflame the nose and throat, causing scratchiness or pain with swallowing. Runny or blocked nose, sneezing, cough and a mild tired feeling may occur together. Mucus draining into the throat can prolong irritation. Symptoms should gradually shift rather than steadily intensify; a sudden deterioration, severe localised pain or a new pattern deserves assessment.

Rest, drink enough to keep your urine pale, and choose warm or cool fluids according to comfort. Saline nasal spray, humidified air and soothing lozenges may reduce irritation. Avoid smoke. Use medicines only as directed on the label or by a pharmacist, particularly if you have a long-term condition, are pregnant or take other medicines.

Get urgent help for struggling to breathe, drooling because you cannot swallow, severe dehydration, confusion or a rapidly worsening condition. Contact a clinician for severe one-sided pain, neck swelling, a persistent high temperature, a rash, pus on the tonsils or symptoms that improve and then become worse. Arrange review when throat pain persists or prevents eating and drinking.

Ask whether your symptoms still fit a cold, whether your throat needs examination, and which pain-relief options suit your health history. Ask what changes should lead you to urgent care and how to prevent dehydration.