Sore Throat

Question 1

General advice for sore throat

Answer 1

• Plenty of rest
• Drink cool drinks to soothe the throat
• Take paracetamol or ibuprofen (no aspirin under 16)
• Gargle with warm salty water (children should not do this)
• Wash hands regularly
• Do not share cutlery
• Avoid immunocompromised individuals or pregnant women

Question 2

General Red Flag Symptoms

Answer 2

• Difficulty breathing
• Signs of sepsis/systemically very unwell
• Stridor/drooling (suspected epiglottitis)
• Confusion/slurred speech
• Coughing up blood
• Suspected quinsy - hot potato voice, burning sensation
• Cellulitis
• Lemierre - a rare complication of bacterial pharyngitis/tonsillitis
• Burning sensation in throat
• Rash