Pharmacy First – Sore Throat Treatment
Sore throats are very common and usually get better themselves within a week. From 31st January, as part of the new NHS Pharmacy First service, our pharmacists will be able to provide additional treatment options for severe sore throats (patients 5 years and over). Sore throat symptoms include:
- 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
Your local Kamsons Pharmacist can provide you with advice and treatment to help manage your symptoms.
Sore Throat Treatment
Depending on the severity of symptoms, sore throat treatment can be managed at home. 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
Severe symptoms can be a sign of a bacterial infection which may require the pharmacist to supply antibiotics. If you are experiencing symptoms of a sore throat, call or visit your local Kamsons Pharmacy for advice. No appointment necessary. To discuss sore throat treatment and advice.
Causes of sore throats
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) or glandular fever.