Sore Throat

Page updated 15/09/19 3:30:12 am

What causes a sore throat with a cold?

Sore throats can be caused by viruses or bacteria. The most common causes of sore throats are viruses. Viral sore throats are often accompanied by other cold symptoms that may include a runny nose, cough, red or watery eyes, and sneezing. Other causes of sore throat include smoking, pollution or irritants in the air, allergies, and dry air.

Home remedies for sore throat and cold virus

Although there is no cure for a sore throat caused by a cold virus, there are ways to help you feel more comfortable. Drinking warm liquids, gargling with warm salt water, sucking on ice chips, or taking an over-the-counter medicine may help relieve symptoms of pain or fever. When you are sick with a cold, it is also important to get enough rest, eat a healthy diet, and drink plenty of fluids.

What are some over the counter medications for sore throat and cold?

Over-the-counter cold medications may relieve cold and sore throat symptoms. However, the benefits of these drugs are minimal. Some cold medications include:

Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen and naproxen, to relieve the aches and pains of a cold and sore throat. (Aspirin should not be given to children because of its link to Reye's syndrome, a disorder that can cause brain damage and death.)
Sore throat sprays and lozenges to soothe your throat and numb the throat pain temporarily. (Lozenges should not be given to young children.)
Decongestant nasal sprays to relieve a sore throat caused by postnasal drip -- nasal drainage that runs down your throat. (Be sure to stop using nasal decongestant sprays after three days, or you may have an increase in congestion when you stop them.)
Antibiotics should not be used to treat a cold virus and sore throat. Antibiotics are effective only against bacteria. They will not work on sore throats associated with colds, which are caused by viruses.

When should you consult your doctor?

You must see your GP if you or a family member experiences any of the following:

• a sore throat that lasts more than a few days
• difficulty swallowing
• your tonsils are enlarged or coated
• a high temperature (above 39øC)
• swelling in your neck
• earache or joint pain.

If your child is Maori or Pacific, is aged four and above, and has a sore throat, please get it checked straight away. They are at risk of a serious but preventable illness called rheumatic fever.
Call Healthline on 0800 611 116 if you are unsure what you should do.

Rheumatic fever

Sometimes a sore throat is caused by Streptococcus bacteria (strep throat), which can lead to rheumatic fever if it is not treated with antibiotics. Rheumatic fever is a serious illness because it can cause heart damage.

Scarlet fever

Scarlet fever is the same illness as strep throat, but with a skin rash.  Scarlet fever can also lead to rheumatic fever and to other illnesses, like pneumonia or infections.  The main symptom of scarlet fever is a red rash that feels rough. It usually begins on your chest, spreading to your neck, abdomen and arms.  People with scarlet fever may have flushed cheeks and a red or white 'strawberry tongue'.

If you or a family member has this type of rash and a sore throat, get to the doctor quickly so they can check it out.

Glandular fever

Having a sore throat is also one of the symptoms of glandular fever - along with fever and swollen glands in the neck.  Other symptoms of glandular fever include headache, feeling generally unwell, joint pains, tiredness, and loss of appetite.  Glandular fever generally isn't serious but it can cause tiredness and loss of energy for a longer period - even up to a few months.

If you think you or a family member may have glandular fever, you should consult your doctor. Page updated 15/09/19 3:30:12 am