WHAT IS A SORE THROAT?
Inflammation of the tissues in the larynx, pharynx and tonsils cause the symptoms we associate with sore throats.
Uncomplicated sore throats usually last up to 3 days and are linked with the flu and colds. Coughing, which is a symptom of both infections can aggravate the throat and make it feel worse.
A severe sore throat, that lasts over 3 days could be a symptom of a more serious condition like tonsillitis or laryngitis. Sore throats also accompany many viral infections such as measles, mumps, chicken pox, glandular fever and whooping cough. All these conditions are highly contagious and can cause epidemics, especially during the winter months.
WHAT CAUSES A SORE THROAT?
Sore throats are normally caused by either a viral or bacterial infection. The most important difference between a virus and bacteria is that bacteria respond well to antibiotic treatment and viruses do not. A sore throat is spread by: sharing drinks, kissing, coughing, nose blowing, and sneezing.
VIRAL SORE THROATS
The majority of sore throats are caused by a viral infection, like those which cause colds and flu. These are most common in the winter, when we spend more time indoors in contact with other people, enabling germs to spread rapidly. A viral infection can lead to a more serious bacterial infection once the immune system has been weakened. When your sore throat is caused by a viral infection there is no immediate treatment. Fortunately, viral infections usually only last a few days as the body is normally able to fight off the infection by itself.
BACTERIAL SORE THROATS
Bacteria can cause more serious sore throats, that can lead to conditions such as tonsillitis or ear infections. Bacteria can cause the throat to become very inflamed and sore. In most cases antibiotic treatment prescribed from your doctor will be the only successful treatment to help reduce the symptoms.
The bacteria that causes the majority of sore throats, is called streptococcus group A (strep A). Somebody who has a strep sore throat might have a sore throat with a fever that starts suddenly, without a cough or cold symptoms. Strep throat is very common in children.
WHAT IS TONSILLITIS?
Tonsillitis is an infection of the lumpy tissue (tonsils) either side of the throat towards the back of the tongue. The tonsils and the back of the throat may look red, swollen and dotted with white/yellow specks of pus. When the tonsils become infected you may also experience a high temperature, headache and feel unwell. Tonsillitis may be caused by either a virus or bacteria, but the symptoms will be the same no matter which germ causes the infection. When bacteria cause tonsillitis it is always from strep A bacteria.
Symptoms of a sore throat caused by bacteria or a virus can include:
- Painful red throat.
- Swollen tonsils.
- Difficulty in swallowing.
- Swollen lymph glands and neck stiffness.
Sore Throat Test
If you answer yes to three of the questions below then you will be suitable to have our Sore Throat Test.
- History of Fever
- Lack of cough
- Tonsillar exudates
- Swollen tender anterior cervical nodes
Our pharmacists will swab the back of your throat and within 10 minutes we can let you know if you are positive or negative for Strep A.
TREATMENTS
Most viruses subside in a few days and treatment is not necessary, antibiotics are not given to relieve throat pain in general, and usually the best advice would be to let nature take its course.
People with a sore throat caused by bacteria can be treated very easily with a course of antibiotics. Treatment is essential with bacterial infection to prevent more serious conditions developing. If your result is positive and you don’t have any other contra-indications, we can supply you with a course of antibiotics with no prescription necessary.
WHAT CAN I DO TO MAKE MY SORE THROAT BETTER?
Whether your sore throat is due to bacteria or a virus, the following will help to relieve your symptoms:
- Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids.
- Gargle with warm salty water.
- If you have a temperature take paracetamol to reduce it.
- Adults may try gargling with soluble aspirin before swallowing it.
- Suck throat lozenges
- Use throat sprays
- Do not smoke.
- Avoid alcohol
Our trained pharmacists are here to help with our test and treat service. No appointment is necessary.