sore throat

[PDTV]

How can you tell if your sore throat is bad enough for a visit to your doctor?

[mayastar]

Sore throats are one of the commonest reasons why people see their doctor. You can treat it yourself unless it has lasted for more than five days, is severely painful or comes with swelling, fever, hoarse voice, or you have difficulty swallowing or breathing. Viral infections cause most sore throats, so you don't usually need an antibiotic. If you see your GP, he or she may take a swab to check for a streptococcal bacterial infection which will need antibiotics. To treat your sore throat yourself, you can buy medicated lozenges and sprays from pharmacies, or make a hot drink with lemon juice, honey and hot water, or take vitamin C and zinc supplements, or eat lots of garlic.