Flu

A sore throat is a common sign of the flu. The virus can irritate your throat tissues, making it feel itchy and inflamed. To avoid this, consider getting a flu vaccine at your local pharmacy. We're here to help keep you healthy during flu season.

Hay Fever

When pollen season arrives, many people with hay fever experience sore throats. Allergies can cause your body to produce extra mucus, which may drip down your throat and cause irritation.

Smoking

Inhaling cigarette smoke can irritate and damage your throat, often resulting in a scratchy feeling. This irritation may lead to persistent coughs, commonly known as "smoker's cough." If you're looking to quit smoking, we're here to help. Our friendly pharmacist can guide you to the right resources and support.

Dry Air

Sometimes a scratchy throat isn't due to illness but rather the dry air in your environment. Air conditioning and heating systems can remove moisture from the air, leaving your throat dry and irritated. Drinking water regularly can help soothe and rehydrate your throat.

Grazed Throat

Every day, your throat encounters different substances, some of which might be tough, leading to minor scratches. To prevent this, remember to chew your food thoroughly and keep your throat hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Tonsillitis

If your throat hurts when you swallow, you might think of tonsillitis right away. This is an infection of the tonsils that makes swallowing painful and difficult. Along with a sore throat, you might notice flu-like symptoms and white spots on your tonsils. Fortunately, tonsillitis usually lasts just 3 to 4 days. If tonsillitis lasts any longer, you may need to be prescribed antibiotics by your GP or our pharmacist. A quinsy throat is a complication of tonsillitis and requires treatment at a hospital.

Tonsil Stones

Tonsil stones might sound scary, but they're more of an inconvenience. Small bits of food can get stuck in the pockets of your mouth, forming tiny, pale "stones." These stones can make swallowing uncomfortable and cause bad breath. To remove them, try gently pressing your neck where the stone is, coughing, or gargling salt water.

Laryngitis

Have you ever lost your voice along with a cough and sore throat? That might be laryngitis. It's the swelling and irritation of your voice box and vocal cords, often caused by a viral infection. Allergies, acid reflux, constant coughing, or always clearing your throat can also lead to laryngitis. Drinking water and resting your voice can help you recover more quickly.

Strep Throat

Strep throat is a painful bacterial infection that makes it difficult to swallow. It can sometimes come with a rash, fever, or nausea. While it’s less common, untreated strep throat can lead to complications like kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever. Consult your GP if you suspect you have strep throat. Strep throat requires antibiotics to get cleared up.

If you find it so painful to swallow that you find it difficult to eat, drink or breathe, call 111 and get medical help as soon as possible.

Head Cold

A common cold can bring a host of symptoms, including a sore and dry throat. While colds are never pleasant, they are something we all encounter now and then. Rest assured, you'll start feeling better in about a week.

Dehydration

Our bodies need plenty of water to function well. Without enough fluids, you might not produce enough saliva, which can leave your mouth and throat feeling dry. The good news is, the solution is simple: drink more water!

Why is my sore throat worse at night?

Your sore throat may be worse at night because of a lack of fluid. We lose approximately a litre of water during the night. So that loss of water may dry up your throat, making it sore. Furthermore, if you have a cold, your sore throat may feel worse at night because you’re needing to breathe through your mouth. If you snore, this may also contribute to your sore throat feeling worse during the night.