We’ve all had sore throats around this time of year. Your throat feels scratchy and may hurt when you swallow. What can you do to soothe a sore throat? And when is it a sign of a more serious infection?

Most sore throats are caused by viral infections such as the common cold or the flu. These throat problems are generally minor and go away on their own.

Occasionally, they can be caused by allergies, very dry air, smoke and voice strain.

Sore throats feel worse in the mornings because the throat gets dry overnight. Using lozenges which help stimulate saliva production keeps the throat moist. Cold drinks, ice pops, throat sprays and over-the-counter pain relievers can help too.

Gargling several times a day with warm salt water can reduce swelling in the throat and loosen mucus, helping to flush out irritants or bacteria. Add a little honey if you can’t bear the taste.

Drink plenty of fluids – you may not feel like eating much while your throat is sore. Soups especially chicken soup, milky drinks and possibly marshmallows may also help. The gelatin in the marshmallows may coat the throat and ease the pain!

REST is probably the most important thing, getting to bed early will help you recover.

Tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils become infected. Symptoms include

• White or yellow spots of pus on the tonsils.

• Swollen lymph glands under each side of the jaw.

• Pain when swallowing.

• Fever.

• Bad breath.

Most cases of sore throat and tonsillitis will improve with time without requiring antibiotics in a usually healthy person. Your Doctor may prescribe an antibiotic if they are concerned that a complication may occur such as a middle ear infection, sinusitis, or abscess (quinsy).

A Strep Throat is a bacterial infection that comes on quickly and is most common in children aged 5 – 15 years. The organism is spread by droplets and can survive on items like door handles, so hand washing is key to help prevent spread. Symptoms are similar to tonsillitis and may include a fine rash spreading from the neck and chest. If the rash is present the condition is called ‘scarlet fever’. Occasionally a strep infection can cause rheumatic fever affecting the heart valves and cause inflammation of the kidneys.

A rapid strep test can be done at the GP or a throat swab can be sent to the lab. Antibiotics are prescribed and the person is contagious until 24 – 48 hours after the antibiotics have been started. It is always important to complete the course of antibiotics even if you feel better after a few days.

Margaret Bates
School Nurse