Sore throat

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Sore throats are very common and usually nothing to worry about. They normally get better by themselves within a week. See "Self-Care Strategies" below on how to manage the symptoms. 

A Pharmacy First Pharmacist can prescribe you antibiotics for Tonsillitis if, on examination, they diagnose you with Tonsillitis. Find a Pharmacy For more information on Pharmacy First and the 7 conditions that they can treat, please click here.

When to see your GP (Routinely) -

• Your sore throat does not improve after a week
• You often get a sore throat

When to see your GP (Urgently*) -

• You're worried about your sore throat
• You have a sore throat and a very high temperature, or you feel hot and shivery
• You have a weakened immune system – for example, because of diabetes or chemotherapy

*When your GP is closed, call 111.

• Symptoms of Sepsis (click here for more information)
• Difficulty breathing (dyspnoea) 
• Turning physically blue (around your face, mouth and/or lips) (cyanosis)
• Inability to swallow your own saliva (which causes you to persistently drool)
• Inability to swallow fluids
• Difficulty opening your mouth (trismus)
• New / Worsening confusion and/or agitation
• Severe sore throat that quickly gets worse
• Swelling inside the mouth and throat
• Difficulty speaking

If you experience any of these symptoms, go to the nearest Emergency Department as quickly and safely as possible. You may need to call 999 for an ambulance or consider alternative transport options, such as asking a friend or relative, or using a taxi or ride-sharing service.

Please note: Arriving by ambulance does not guarantee you will be seen sooner. All patients are assessed on arrival, and treatment is prioritized based on the urgency of their symptoms.

• The main symptoms of Tonsillitis are - a sore throat; pain on swallowing; a high temperature of 38c or more; coughing; headache; feeling sick (nausea); earache; feeling tired. 

• Sometimes the symptoms can be more severe and include - swollen, painful glands in your neck; pus-filled spots or white patches on your tonsils; bad breath (halitosis). 

• Research has shown us that, in most case of Tonsillitis, antibiotics don’t usually help. If your GP / Practitioner diagnosis you with bacterial tonsillitis, you will be given antibiotics. If you don’t start to feel better or see an improvement within 3-4 days of taking them, see your GP service again. If you develop any of the red flags from the first box, go immediately to A&E. 

• Other causes of Sore throat include the common cold, influenza, pharyngitis, laryngitis. Some these conditions are viral, some bacterial. Your Healthcare Professional will be able to diagnose your specific condition and inform you of the appropriate treatment.

• Rest
• Drink adequate amounts of fluid (ideally water) to remain hydrated (adequate means enough to not feel thirsty)
• Take simple analgesia (i.e. Paracetamol up to 4 times per 24 hours) - if you're unsure what you should/should not take, ask your GP/Nurse/Paramedic or a pharmacist
• Gargle salt water
• Suck ice cubes (aids hydration and improves the pain of a sore throat) 
• Distraction is an effective non-pharmacological pain relief
• Avoid smoking / vaping and smokey environments

NHS UK - Sore Throat

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sore-throat/

NHS UK - Tonsillitis

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tonsillitis/