 Season for sore throats...
Winter is approaching –
season of coughs, colds and sore throats.
Olive Braman reports
Sore throats – who gets them
The good news for those of 50
plus is that they are least likely to suffer
from these infections. Most vulnerable are young children who average 6-8 coughs or colds
each year, a number of which are passed on to their carers. Teenagers and young adults are
also vulnerable.
What’s the cause?
80% of sore throats are caused by
viral infections, 10% are bacterial and 10% arise from allergies, irritants, sinus
infections, stomach acid or straining the voice. |
Best treatment?
Most sore throats can be treated
at home with over the counter remedies like pastilles and lozenges, gargling with salt
water or soluble aspirin and warm drinks with honey which is a natural painkiller. To
relieve a painful throat you could try using a spray containing benzocaine (eg AAA mouth and throat spray), a strong local
anaesthetic.
A visit to the GP is not
necessary unless the sore throat persists for several days. Antibiotics are only needed
for severe bacterial infections.
Prevention?
Avoid crowded, stuffy places
where virus infections survive longer. A virus is passed on by being inhaled but can also
be transferred from the hands to the nose or mouth so frequent hand washing can also be
preventive.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
Severe sore throat for more
than a week which is not associated with allergy or irritation
Difficulty breathing
Accompanying rash anywhere on
the body
Fever
Blood in saliva or phlegm
Neck lump
Hoarseness for two weeks
Accompanying joint pains
Difficulty opening mouth
Frequent attacks of sore throat
For further information see
www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
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