When to Worry About a Sore Throat: Signs to See a Doctor

Sore throats cause great discomfort and it is natural to want quick and effective relief from their symptoms. The usual course of treatment starts with home remedies and/or natural remedies, such as sage or thyme infusions, throat lozenges and throat sprays. If there is no improvement after three days, you should consult your doctor about your sore throat.

Nevertheless, the question remains: when exactly should you see a doctor?

Sore Throat 101: What You Should Know

Before you make an appointment it’s important to know that¹: 

• Sore throats are usually a symptom of colds, tonsillitis or other forms of inflammation in the pharynx. 
• 8 out of 10 infections are caused by viruses. 
• Antibiotics are ineffective in these viral cases, as they can only combat bacterial infections. 

There are also many other causes of a sore throat²: 

• Allergies and hayfever 
• Heartburn (gastric acid reflux into the oesophagus) 
• Dry air from air conditioning 
• Smoking 
• Passive smoking 
• Voice strain 
• Environmental factors e.g., emissions and air pollution  
• Existing underlying conditions e.g., thyroid disorders and snoring 
• Side effects of medication e.g., ACE inhibitors, inhalers 
• Alcohol consumption

When Should You See a Doctor for a Sore Throat?

Although sore throats do usually get better by drinking plenty of fluid, resting and using topical throat medication, in some cases you may need to see a doctor³. The throat inflammation may have worsened and infected other parts of your respiratory tract.

If you have any of the following symptoms you should consider seeing a doctor:

• High temperature (more than 38°C)
• Dehydration
• Symptoms that don’t improve, or worsen
• Your sore throat lasts longer than 3 days, despite taking steps to relieve it
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty breathing
• Coughing with mucus
• Pus in your throat
• Difficulty opening your mouth
• Severe earache
• Pain in the forehead or jaw area

If your symptoms still do not improve after treating your sore throat as instructed by the doctor, you should go back to the doctor for further examination.

Medication to Ease a Sore Throat

Strepsils has a wide range of products to help relieve and treat the symptoms of a sore throat. At the first sign of a sore throat, we recommend Strepsils Cool Sensation as it provides antiseptic action and helps with pain relief.

If your throat is extremely painful and inflamed Strepsils Max Pro lozenges can help relieve the pain and the inflammation. Strepsils Max Pro lozenges are anti-inflammatory, offer pain relief and reduce swelling. Strepsils Max Pro has a long-lasting effect; reducing pain and inflammation for up to 6 hours.

Sore Throat Prevention Tips

While there are many treatment options available for sore throats, where possible take steps to strengthen your immune system and prevent getting a sore throat in the first place⁴.

• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables (at least five servings)
• Get a good night’s sleep – most people need between 7 and 9 hours
• Exercise regularly, preferably outdoors
• Try to avoid stress or develop ways of managing your stress
• Don’t smoke - actively or passively
• Drink plenty of fluids to keep your throat lubricated
• When indoors; avoid draughts and air-conditioned environments where possible, and use a humidifier

Sources:

¹ https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/ears-nose-and-throat/sore-throat

² https://www.healthline.com/health/sore-throat

³ https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/ears-nose-and-throat/sore-throat

⁴ https://www.healthline.com/health/cold-flu/sore-throat-natural-remedies

⁵ Banner Photo by lifestylememory from Freepik