Sore throat

A sore throat is discomfort, pain, or scratchiness in the
throat. A Sore throat often makes it painful to swallow.

DESCRIPTION

Viral infections are the most common cause of Sore throats.
Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections. A Sore
throat often begins at the start of a cold. In many cases, a sore
throat is the first sign that you are getting sick. When the nose
or sinuses become infected, drainage can run down the back of the
throat and irritate it, especially at night. Or, the throat itself
can be infected.

Different types of infections that often begin with a Sore throat
include:

Glandular fever (Epstein-Barr virus)

Flu

Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils at the back of the
mouth. Symptoms are similar to a sore throat, but may be more
severe e.g high fever. ‘Strep throat’ is so named because the
bacteria known as streptococcus can be a possible cause of
infection in cases of tonsillitis. 

Croup a common childhood illness characterized by a harsh,
barking cough.

 

Causes of Sore throat that are not a result of infection
include;

• Breathing through the mouth.
• Allergies such as Hayfever.
• Pollution and cigarette smoke.
• Muscle strain from yelling.
• Acid reflux
• Tumours. Smoking or alcohol abuse increases the risk of tumours
  of the throat, tongue and voice box. In some people these tumours
  cause few, if any, signs and symptoms. In others, they can lead to
  hoarseness, difficulty swallowing and Sore throat.

 

Soreness in the throat may be the only symptom. In addition,
you may also have a hoarse voice, mild cough, fever, headache, feel
sick, feel tired, and the glands in your neck may swell. It may be
painful to swallow. The soreness typically worsens over 2 to 3 days
and then gradually improves within a week.

 

Signs that a Sore throat may have a more serious underlying
cause, such as tonsillitis, include:

• White patches or pus on your throat or tonsils
• Inability to swallow
• A Sore throat that does not improve on its own or keeps coming
  back
• Vomiting
• Skin rash
• Headache
• Severe throat pain
• Swollen, red tonsils
• A high fever

 

Always consult your Doctor for diagnosis and advice. This
information is not intended to replace the advice of a medical
practitioner.

• Most Sore throats clear up within 3 to 7 days. If it persists
  longer than this, or recurs often, see your Doctor.
• Paracetamol or ibuprofen can usually relieve the symptoms of a
  Sore throat. 
• Antibiotics may be prescribed for a bacterial Sore throat such
  as tonsillitis although there is no evidence that they are any more
  effective than paracetamol. Antibiotics will not be effective
  against a viral infection.
• If the patient finds it difficult to breathe, cannot swallow to
  the extent that drooling occurs, or becomes cyanosed (bluish tinge
  around lips and fingernails) call an ambulance immediately as the
  airway may be constricted.

DIET HINTS

• Eat foods that are highly nutritious and easy to swallow, to
  help build up the immune system for the body to fight off any
  possible infection.
• The patient may refuse all solid foods due to the pain of
  swallowing. Offer filtered water (6 to 8 glasses a day), and fruit
  and vegetable juices diluted with water 50-50. This will provide
  the patient with adequate nutrition in the short term. Herbal teas
  (especially raspberry or sage) can also be drunk during the
  day.
• Offer foods that are soothing and easy to swallow such as soups
  and broths, jelly, custard and pureed fruits. A peeled, frozen
  banana is a good choice for children.
• It is best to avoid foods that are high in sugar and fat; they
  are often low in other nutrients. Try to eat more fresh fruits and
  plenty of vegetables.

VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS

Low levels of antioxidant nutrients such as beta-carotene,
Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C have been detected in children
suffering from recurrent tonsillitis infections. Fresh fruits and
vegetables are the best source of antioxidants. Consider a
nutritional supplement if the diet is inadequate.

PHARMACIST’S ADVICE

1. Ask your Pharmacist whether a visit to a Doctor is
   indicated. 
2. Ask your Pharmacist for suggestions on the best way to recover
   from and ease the pain of a Sore Throat.
3. An antiseptic spray or gargle may be recommended to ease the
   symptoms of a Sore Throat. These are not recommended for
   children.
4. A wide range of medicated throat lozenges are available from
   your pharmacy to help soothe the irritation of a Sore Throat and
   ease the pain of swallowing. These are not recommended for
   children.
5. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can usually relieve the symptoms of a
   Sore throat. Remember that aspirin should not be given to children
   under 16.
6. A vitamin supplement may be of benefit if dietary intake is
   inadequate.

Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of age
unless specified by a Doctor.