PHARMACY FIRST
Sore Throat
A sore throat is a common condition that can cause pain, irritation, or inflammation in the throat. In most cases, symptoms improve within a week without the need for medical treatment. However, some sore throats can become more severe or persistent, making everyday activities such as swallowing or speaking uncomfortable.
Through the FREE NHS Pharmacy First service, our pharmacist can assess your symptoms and provide advice or treatment where appropriate — without the need for a GP appointment.
Please complete the form below and our pharmacist will arrange a call back within 2 hours.
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About Sore Throats
✓ A dry, scratchy throat
✓ A mild cough
✓ A painful throat, especially when swallowing
✓ Bad breath
✓ Redness in the back of your mouth
✓ Swollen glands in your neck
Managing sore throat symptoms can sometimes be uncomfortable and difficult, particularly when symptoms persist or worsen. In some cases, a sore throat may be linked to a bacterial infection that requires treatment.
It is important to monitor your symptoms and seek advice if your sore throat becomes severe, lasts longer than expected, or is accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, swollen glands, fever, or breathing difficulties. If your breathing is significantly affected, urgent medical attention should be sought immediately.
Through the FREE NHS Pharmacy First service, our pharmacist can assess your symptoms and provide appropriate advice or treatment without the need for a GP appointment.
Treatment
There are several ways to manage and treat a sore throat, ranging from home remedies to pharmacy and prescription treatments. The most suitable treatment will depend on the severity and cause of the symptoms.
Simple self-care measures such as drinking plenty of fluids, eating cool or soft foods, avoiding smoking, and getting adequate rest may help ease discomfort. Adults may also find relief by gargling warm salty water or sucking on ice cubes, ice lollies, or hard sweets.
Over-the-counter treatments such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, medicated lozenges, and numbing throat sprays can also help relieve pain and irritation. In cases where allergies are contributing to symptoms, antihistamines may also be beneficial.
Through the FREE NHS Pharmacy First service, our pharmacist can assess your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment without the need for a GP appointment.
Causes
According to the NHS, most sore throats are caused by viral infections such as the common cold or flu. These usually resolve on their own without the need for antibiotics.
Other possible causes include bacterial infections, such as Streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat), which may require medical treatment.
A sore throat can also be triggered by non-infectious factors such as allergies, dry air, smoking, pollution, or straining the voice.
Complications
According to the NHS, most sore throats are mild and clear within a week without causing complications. However, in some cases—especially if caused by a bacterial infection—complications can occur. These may include:
Tonsillitis
Sinusitis
Ear infections (such as otitis media)
Scarlet fever (in children)
Peritonsillar abscess (a build-up of pus near the tonsils)
Rheumatic fever (rare, but serious)
The NHS advises seeking medical attention if symptoms are severe, persistent, or worsening, or if there are signs such as difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, or high