Pharmacy First - Sore Throat

Symptoms of a Sore Throat

According to the NHS, there are six common symptoms you could experience with a sore throat:

• A painful throat, especially when swallowing
• A dry, scratchy throat
• Redness in the back of your mouth
• Bad breath
• A mild cough
• Swollen neck glands

These symptoms can be uncomfortable or difficult to manage. Additionally, they might be indicative of a worse underlying problem such as bacterial infection. If you notice these symptoms of a sore throat, it's important to take appropriate action and prevent the condition from worsening.

Due to this condition potentially affecting the respiratory system, it’s vital that if you have any concerns about your breathing, you seek immediate help. If your breathing is not severely affected then we suggest booking an appointment with our qualified pharmacists through the free, NHS Pharmacy First service:

Risk Factors & Potential Causes

A sore throat has some common, moderate risks and a few less common but severe risks regarding the respiratory system. The common risks include:

Strep A infections are usually quite mild and easily treated. However, occasionally they can become more serious. In cases where they become more serious you will also develop more symptoms for example if you develop Scarlet Fever it will result in a rash alongside the sore throat. In instances when you believe there might be a serious Strep A infection it's important to seek an immediate consultation with a health professional.

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Allergies in some cases a sore throat can result from an allergic reaction. Triggering similar symptoms. Depending on the severity of the allergy, it may require immediate treatment. Fortunately, in such cases, the person will usually be aware of the allergy making it far easier to identify and treat.

Respiratory tract infections (RTI) can be a risk factor or potential cause of your sore throat. This occurs when there has been an infection in a part of your respiratory system. This will cause a persistent cough & sore throat, along with breathlessness and muscle aches. An RTI could be caused by either a virus or bacteria. These can be more easily contracted if your immune system is weakened due to allergies or other health conditions. 

Catarrh is a build-up of mucus in your throat sometimes referred to as “postnasal drip”. This is mainly caused by a cold, the flu or sinusitis . However, catarrh can be caused by a wide range of issues. Anything that will cause a build-up of mucus will in turn lead to excessive coughing usually causing a sore throat as well.

Air pollution can cause a sore throat due to breathing in harmful chemicals or particles that irritate the lining of the throat. Living or working in a particularly polluted environment can cause a chronic sore throat and be hard to treat unless you can improve your working/living environment.

In addition, smoking will have a severely detrimental effect on your respiratory system and throat. The long-term side effects of smoking are too numerous to discuss here. Smokers often have a persistent cough and sore throat, typically referred to as “Smoker’s cough” (So common it has a name!). Those who smoke are much more likely to develop a sore throat and many further throat conditions. Without going into the weeds about smoking (which we will cover in an entirely separate blog) the best thing you can do to improve a sore throat, if you do smoke is, is to quit. We can help with that, too: just ask one of the pharmacy team.

Complications

Occasionally, your sore throat can last longer than usual or become worse. In these cases, you might have contracted other illnesses or diseases, for example:

• Tonsillitis: When a sore throat leads to an infection of the tonsils, they will become red and swollen. This is not a serious risk to your health although can be more troublesome than a simple sore throat.

• Ear Infections: like our blog on earache a throat infection has the potential to spread to other parts of the body most notably your ear.

• Sinus Infections: Inflammation and congestion in the throat and nasal passages can lead to a sinus infection sinusitis.

• Scarlet Fever: A rare but serious and very contagious disease is an infection from Strep A. This has become less common in modern times. Scarlet Fever is associated with a sore throat and is transmitted through a cough. This condition can be treated with antibiotics if necessary.

• Rheumatic Fever: this if a rare complication of Strep A infection and can cause painful joints and heart problems. Once you have contracted rheumatic fever it becomes more likely to reoccur in the future, so if you have had this condition you should ensure close monitoring of future sore throats.



• Airway Obstruction: In a few cases of sore throat, you may have trouble breathing. Generally, this can be the result of swelling in the throat. If you start to notice a restriction in your own or someone else’s breathing call NHS111 or go directly to A&E.

To reinforce the message: if you notice any problems with your breathing due to a sore throat or one of the listed complications call 111 or go directly to A&E.

Otherwise, if you notice signs or symptoms book a free, NHS consultation with our pharmacist who can provide you with free NHS treatment and advice on how to deal with your sore throat:

Treatment for a Sore Throat

There are many ways to treat a sore throat ranging from full prescription medication to home remedies. The nature of the treatment indicated will depend on the severity of your symptoms:

Home Remedies

Drinking plenty of water can help soothe a sore throat, and eating cool or soft foods can help. Smoking will aggravate your sore throat so even for those who smoke regularly it's highly recommended to stop whilst suffering sore throat symptoms.  A couple of other home remedies are suitable for adults but NOT children. These include gargling with warm salty water, or sucking on ice cubes, lollies or hard sweets.

Medications

These are some of the Over-The-Counter medications you can use to help soothe symptoms of a sore throat: Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help relieve the symptoms, as can medicated lozenges, and anaesthetic sprays. In cases when allergies might be the source of a sore throat antihistamines can be helpful. Are pharmacy team are always on hand to advise.  

NHS Pharmacy First to the rescue!

Pharmacy First is ready to swoop in and provide rapid relief for your sore throat, along with the six other conditions listed under Pharmacy First. Letchworth Pharmacy can provide you with symptomatic relief from the horrid symptoms that accompany a sore throat. With a convenient trip to your community pharmacy, this service means that you do not need to visit a GP to provide a prescription to treat this condition. Free NHS treatment can now be provided directly by Letchworth Pharmacy. Sometimes it's not easy to see a GP which is why we are so excited by the potential help we can provide to you now as the result of this new NHS service.

If you want to book an appointment under the NHS Pharmacy First service, pop in and speak to a member of our pharmacy team or click here:

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for sore throats can empower individuals to effectively manage this common ailment and promote their overall well-being. From viral infections to environmental factors, the range of potential triggers underscores the importance of tailored approaches to treatment. Whether employing home remedies for mild cases or seeking medical intervention for severe symptoms or bacterial infections, proactive management can alleviate discomfort and prevent potential complications. By prioritising rest, hydration, and avoiding irritants, individuals can navigate sore throat episodes with confidence, knowing they have the knowledge and tools to promote swift recovery. Ultimately, fostering awareness and proactive self-care practices are key to minimising the impact of sore throat on daily life and maintaining optimal health.

Pharmacy First to the rescue??

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