Sore throat
When to get emergency help
Very rarely, a sore throat can be a sign of a serious problem.
Visit your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department or call 999 for an ambulance immediately if:
- your symptoms are severe or getting worse quickly
- you have difficulty breathing
- you're making a high-pitched sound as you breathe (called stridor)
- you have difficulty swallowing
- you start drooling
Arthritis
A common condition that causes inflammation (redness and swelling) in the joints and bones.
Bacteria
Bacteria are tiny, single-celled organisms that live in the body. Some can cause illness and disease and some others are good for you.
Immune system
The immune system is the body's defence system, which helps protect it from disease, bacteria and viruses.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dez 2018
Introduction
Find out what can cause a sore throat, how you can soothe it and when to get medical advice.
Treatments for a sore throat
The following measures can often help soothe a sore throat: take Painkillers, ibuprofen or paracetamol paracetamol is better for children and for people who can't take ibuprofen (note that childre
Causes of a sore throat
The cause of a sore throat isn't always obvious. Butin most cases it's a symptom of a viral or bacterialinfection. Common causes A sore throatis often a symptom of: colds or flu you may also have
When to get medical advice
You don't usually need to get medical adviceif youhavea sore throat. But it's a good idea tocontact your GP or NHS 111 if: your symptoms are severe you have persistent symptoms thathaven't started
When to get emergency help
Very rarely, a sore throat can be a sign of a serious problem. Visit your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department or call 999 for an ambulance immediately if: your symptoms are severe
Subscribe
Ask the doctor
Rate this article
Find products