SORE THROAT

Most sore throats are caused by a virus infection which antibiotics cannot cure, but with simple treatment the patient normally gets better in four to five days. Sometimes a sore throat may occur with the common cold. In epidemics of influenza there may be dryness of the throat, pain in coughing and loss of voice.

Treatment of Adults:-

Aspirin: To help relieve the pain on swallowing and (if there is one) the temperature. Use soluble Aspirin dissolved in water so that the patient can gargle before swallowing. Repeat the treatment every four hours. If Aspirin causes discomfort, use soluble Paracetamol.

Drink: Encourage the patient to drink plenty.

Food: Food should not be forced on a patient who does not want to eat.

Steam: If there is pain in the throat on coughing, steam inhalations may help.

Local anaesthetic lozenges or sprays from your chemist can numb your throat if it is particularly sore, but will not kill the infection any sooner.


Treatment of children:-

Young children, who may not be able to gargle, should be given Paracetamol every four hours in the right dose for their age. At the age of one year: one teaspoon of Paracetamol mixture. (120mg = 5ml strength) four times daily for other ages see directions on bottle.

When to see the doctor:-

If the sore throat is still getting worse after two days.