02/04/2024
Sore Throat 2
What Causes a Sore Throat?
Sore throats are usually caused by viruses (like cold or flu) or from smoking. Very occasionally they can be caused by bacteria. They can also be caused by:
Laryngitis:
This usually comes on suddenly and gets worse during the first 3 days. The main symptoms are a hoarse croaky voice, sometimes loss of voice, irritating cough that does not go away, always needing to clear your throat, a sore throat. It usually goes away on its own after 1-2 weeks. You can ease the symptoms by speaking as little as possible, drinking plenty of fluids, keeping the air moist with bowls of water, gargling with salty water.
Tonsillitis:
This can feel like a bad cold or flu. The tonsils at the back of your throat will be red and swollen. The main symptoms are a sore throat, problems with swallowing, a high temperature of 38C or above, coughing, a headache, feeling sick, earache, feeling tired. The symptoms will usually go away after 3-4 days. You can help the symptoms by getting plenty of rest, drinking cool drinks, taking paracetamol or ibuprofen, and gargling with salty water. To stop these infections spreading - if you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to do your normal activities, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people, use tissues when you cough or sneeze and throw them away and wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.
Glandular fever:
This is a viral infection that mostly affects teenagers and young adults. It can get better without treatment, but it can last for weeks and makes you feel very ill. The symptoms include high temperature, swollen glands, which may be in the neck, head, armpits, elbows or groin, sore throat, a rash which may be harder to see on black or brown skin, headache, tiredness. Here are some things that you can do to help ease the symptoms - Rest, drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, take pain killers like paracetamol or ibuprofen. Do not do strenuous activities like heavy lifting or playing sports.
If any of these symptoms last more than a few days, come back to see us where we might be able to prescribe an antibiotic or visit your GP.
To find out more about this or any other health concern you might have, talk to one of our trained team.
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