SORE THROAT

Sore throat is a common ailment. There can be hardly anyone that hasn't had one at some time and many people get them quite often. Most are due to viruses and so do not need antibiotics. The bacterial "strep throat" usually gets better quickly without antibiotics according to modern research. Even tonsillitis which traditionally gets treated with Penicillin, or an equivalent, is said to be likely to get better almost as quickly without it.

When to treat at home and when to see the doctor: Home treatment is adequate for nearly all sore throats and really the only reasons to see the doctor are:

• If the patient is generally quite unwell with a high fever, headaches, aching limbs etc..
• Treatment with drugs that can lower immunity or damage the bone marrow (e.g. chemotherapy and certain other drugs about which you would normally be told when you're given them).
• Suspected tonsillitis - there is usually pus (creamy white material) on the tonsils and the glands are usually swollen and tender.
• Difficulty breathing and actual difficulty swallowing (not just discomfort).
• Persistent symptoms after 7-10 days.

How to treat at home. The cure of the viral infection can be left to nature. The symptoms though are more of a problem. The anti-inflammatory effects of Aspirin (soluble) dissolved in water and used as a gargle before swallowing (unless for some reason you can't take or have been advised to avoid Aspirin) are extremely useful. In addition throat lozenges and sprays can be helpful - consult your pharmacist. Alternatives to aspirin are paracetamol (which isn't anti-inflammatory) and ibuprofen which is. Drink plenty of fluids avoiding sharp or pungent flavours and take advantage of the fact that cold temperatures in food and drink can be quite soothing.

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