Pharmacist warns your sore throat it could be more serious

Wendy Lee, a pharmacist from Well Pharmacy, says any sore throat lasting more than a few days could indicate a more severe issue.

A sore throat is one of seven conditions that can be treated by a pharmacist using the service available to anyone five or older.

Pharmacists have a variety of options on how to treat patients including general advice, over-the-counter medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen and lozenges.

In the most severe cases antibiotics can be signed off and dispensed by the pharmacist.

Below are some of the most common issues that a sore throat could be the first indicator of a more pressing issue.

Cold or flu

The most common issue that will see patients suffer with a sore throat is that of a cold or flu that can last for a few weeks.

Patients will also experience blocked sinuses, a cough, and a high temperature as well as headaches and general aches and pains.

Most colds and flu can be treated with over-the-counter medicines like lozenges, paracetamol and ibuprofen. Patients should also remember to stay hydrated.

Laryngitis

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the vocal cords, which can leave patients with a raspy voice or at times no voice at all.

Many patients experience a dry cough alongside a sore throat or a constant need to clear their throat.

It is crucial they remain hydrated throughout the infection, which lasts between one to two weeks.

Often, laryngitis is caused by a cold or flu so the same advice applies to dealing with a bout of laryngitis as with both of those ailments.

If patients go into a third week – known as chronic laryngitis – they should visit a pharmacy or GP again to discuss how best to treat the issue.

Tonsilitis

Many patients who suffer from tonsillitis will have recurring bouts of the infection, which can often be treated by a tonsillectomy.

Each year, there are around 37,000 tonsillectomies in the UK, however not all bouts of tonsillitis will result in surgery being required.

As well as a sore throat, patients might notice their tonsils are inflamed or spotty as well as experiencing discomfort when swallowing.

Many patients also develop a fever when in the early stages of tonsillitis, so it is important to ensure that plenty of rest is taken.

Pain relief medication such as ibuprofen or paracetamol should also be given alongside staying hydrated.

Some cases of tonsillitis will require antibiotics and if the issue continues to reoccur then it may be that a tonsillectomy is required.

Glandular Fever

Glandular Fever is a viral infection most commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus spread through the sharing of saliva.

The most common ways of being passed from person-to-person comes from exchanging kisses, sharing drinks or coughing.

Most often glandular fever or mono as it can also be known will affect teenagers and young adults and leaves them with symptoms including fatigue, a fever and swollen glands.

The infection usually lasts between a fortnight and a month and it is often noticed that patients lose weight during a bout.

During the infection, it is common for patients to have a very sore throat – though antibiotics are unable to cure this particular viral infection.

Instead, patients should focus on rest, ensuring they are drinking plenty of fluids and taking over-the-counter pain relief to stay comfortable.

Well Pharmacy’s Wendy Lee believes it’s important that if patients have a sore throat they utilise the Pharmacy First service at their local pharmacy.

She said: “Pharmacy First has allowed for patients to get quick, effective treatment and solutions all under one roof.

“Our expertly trained pharmacists are able to privately discuss and diagnose key issues revolving around a sore throat and make sure that patients leave with pain medication or a dispensed prescription to begin treatment immediately.

“While some people may wait to go to a GP appointment, pharmacy can now issue treatments with some prescription-only-medications.

“We believe that this ensures that patients get the fast, effective service they deserve while also allowing for GPs to be able to see those who may require treatments for other life-altering diseases.”

Flu

A sore throat is one of a number of symptoms of flu, cases of which are now on the decline after a busy Christmas period for the NHS.

A high temperature, aches and pains, feeling exhausted, a dry cough and headache are among the most common symptoms. Diarrhoea and stomach pain can also be expected.

The best advice for anyone suffering a bout of flu is bed rest, over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen are recommended and plenty of fluids is advised.

Strep throat

More common in children than adults, strep throat is a symptom of the strep A infection – most are mild, but some can be serious.

The bacterial infection generally causes flu-like symptoms of swollen glands, high temperature, pain, nausea and feeling generally lousy, but can present a series of other conditions.

The rapid onset of a sore throat combined with difficulty swallowing, swollen tonsils and high fever are tell-tale signs of a Streptococcus pyogenes infection.

In rare cases the infection can become serious, known as invasive group A strep (iGAP).

Medics urge parents to trust their instincts when it comes to their child, a pharmacist will be able to provide advice on this. Children’s paracetamol or ibuprofen are appropriate here.

If the child is not getting better after a few days,  parents are recommended to speak to their pharmacists,  GP or dial 111. If the child is having difficulty breathing, then call 999.

Acid reflux

Acid reflux can affect anyone from time to time – often after eating or bending down.

Symptoms include heartburn and an unpleasant or sour taste in your mouth, caused by acid rising from the stomach.

Combined with these classic symptoms, patients may also experience a cough or hiccups that refuse to go, a hoarse voice, sore throat, bad breath, bloating and feeling sick.

Certain foods and drinks are known to trigger acid reflux. Smoking and being overweight are also contributors, along with stress, anxiety and pregnancy.

Anti-inflammatory drugs – like ibuprofen – increase the acid in the stomach, and a pharmacist can advise patients and advise use of antacids if these drugs are being taken long term.

Stomach ulcers will also likely contribute to acid reflux.