It depends on how severe your sore throat is. If it is really painful and you are struggling to swallow liquids, or if it is inhibiting your breathing, then you really should see your doctor, sooner rather than later.
If you know that it is just a regular sore throat, which although it is painful and uncomfortable, will be gone in a few days there are some things that you can do for yourself that will help.
You can take a soluble pain killer, but before you swallow it, gargle with it first. This will put the pain killer directly onto the source of the pain and will reduce it, whilst at the same time helping with any other symptoms you may have, like headache or earache. Be sure to follow the instructions on the information leaflet of the painkiller so you know how many you can take within a period of time. Don’t be tempted to take more than is stated because the consequences can be serious.
There are also some over the counter remedies that you can try: Throat pastilles, for example that have soothing ingredients such as honey or eucalyptus in them. There are some sprays that you buy from the chemist, too, that can help. You spray these directly onto the part of your throat that is hurting for some local anaesthesia. It doesn’t taste too good, but you are probably finding that nothing does at the moment.
Be careful if you do take any over the counter medications that they do not react with each other. Some products have the same ingredients in them so you may overdose yourself without realising it.
Another remedy for a sore throat that sounds crazy, but which actually works, is to eat a curry - as hot as you can stand. You’ll be pleasantly surprised with the result.
From the description of your symptom, it sounds like there could be any number of causes for your pain and discomfort.
First of all, it could very well be that all you are suffering from is a sore throat which will go away within a week or so. You can help to ease the pain by sucking on lozenges or taking some over the counter medicine. Ask your pharmacist for which one would be best for you if you are also experiencing other symptoms of a common cold. There is no use going to a Doctor about this unless your symptoms get worse.
However, you could also be suffering from Tonsillitis which is an inflammation of the tonsils in the back of the mouth caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Symptoms of Tonsillitis which you yourself will notice are a sore throat, pain in the ears when swallowing, pain or difficulty swallowing, a cough, headache, sore eyes, body aches, a fever, chills and nasal congestion. A Doctor will be able to check out your symptoms and then take a look at your tonsils (they will appear red or white if infection is present) and will then be able to decide on the best course of treatment.
There is also the possibility that there is a problem with the lymph nodes in your throat or your thyroid.
If the symptoms that you feel do not go away within a couple of days then the best thing to do is to make an appointment to see your Doctor as soon as possible. However, if your symptoms also include a high fever or if you develop a high fever or if you notice that your symptoms are getting worse then you should go straight to the emergency room as waiting for a Doctor's appointment could be too long.
If you know that it is just a regular sore throat, which although it is painful and uncomfortable, will be gone in a few days there are some things that you can do for yourself that will help.
You can take a soluble pain killer, but before you swallow it, gargle with it first. This will put the pain killer directly onto the source of the pain and will reduce it, whilst at the same time helping with any other symptoms you may have, like headache or earache. Be sure to follow the instructions on the information leaflet of the painkiller so you know how many you can take within a period of time. Don’t be tempted to take more than is stated because the consequences can be serious.
There are also some over the counter remedies that you can try: Throat pastilles, for example that have soothing ingredients such as honey or eucalyptus in them. There are some sprays that you buy from the chemist, too, that can help. You spray these directly onto the part of your throat that is hurting for some local anaesthesia. It doesn’t taste too good, but you are probably finding that nothing does at the moment.
Be careful if you do take any over the counter medications that they do not react with each other. Some products have the same ingredients in them so you may overdose yourself without realising it.
Another remedy for a sore throat that sounds crazy, but which actually works, is to eat a curry - as hot as you can stand. You’ll be pleasantly surprised with the result.
From the description of your symptom, it sounds like there could be any number of causes for your pain and discomfort.
First of all, it could very well be that all you are suffering from is a sore throat which will go away within a week or so. You can help to ease the pain by sucking on lozenges or taking some over the counter medicine. Ask your pharmacist for which one would be best for you if you are also experiencing other symptoms of a common cold. There is no use going to a Doctor about this unless your symptoms get worse.
However, you could also be suffering from Tonsillitis which is an inflammation of the tonsils in the back of the mouth caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Symptoms of Tonsillitis which you yourself will notice are a sore throat, pain in the ears when swallowing, pain or difficulty swallowing, a cough, headache, sore eyes, body aches, a fever, chills and nasal congestion. A Doctor will be able to check out your symptoms and then take a look at your tonsils (they will appear red or white if infection is present) and will then be able to decide on the best course of treatment.
There is also the possibility that there is a problem with the lymph nodes in your throat or your thyroid.
If the symptoms that you feel do not go away within a couple of days then the best thing to do is to make an appointment to see your Doctor as soon as possible. However, if your symptoms also include a high fever or if you develop a high fever or if you notice that your symptoms are getting worse then you should go straight to the emergency room as waiting for a Doctor's appointment could be too long.
