To help soothe a sore throat and shorten how long it lasts, you can:
- gargle with warm, salty water (children should not try this)
- drink plenty of water
- eat cool or soft foods
- avoid smoking or smoky places
- suck ice cubes, ice lollies or hard sweets – but do not give young children anything small and hard to suck because of the risk of choking
- rest
You can ask a pharmacist about ways of relieving the pain and discomfort of a sore throat, such as:
- paracetamol or ibuprofen
- medicated lozenges containing a local anaesthetic, antiseptic, or anti-inflammatory medicine
- anaesthetic spray (although there's little proof they help when used on their own)
You can buy these treatments from a supermarket or pharmacy without a prescription.
A pharmacist can also provide other treatments if you need them, without you seeing a GP.
Some medicines are not safe for everyone (for example, if you're pregnant). Always check the leaflet or speak to a pharmacist before taking them.
You do not normally need antibiotics for a sore throat because they will not usually relieve your symptoms or speed up your recovery.
You'll only be given antibiotics if you could have a bacterial infection.
Speak to a GP if:
- your sore throat does not improve after a week
- you often get a sore throat
Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get advice from 111 now if:
- you're worried about your sore throat
- you have a sore throat and a very high temperature, or you feel hot and shivery
- you have a weakened immune system – for example, because of diabetes or chemotherapy
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
Call 999 or go to A&E now if:
You or your child:
- have difficulty breathing or are unable to swallow
- are drooling – this can be a sign of not being able to swallow
- are making a high-pitched sound as you breathe (called stridor)
- have severe symptoms and are getting worse quickly
If you have a sore throat you might have:
- 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
The symptoms are similar for children, but children can also get a high temperature and appear less active.
Sore throats are usually caused by viruses (like cold or flu) or from smoking. Very occasionally they can be caused by bacteria.
A sore throat can also be caused by:
- laryngitis
- tonsillitis
- strep throat (a bacterial throat infection)
- glandular fever
Page last reviewed: 07-04-2024
Next review due:07-04-2027