Get Treatment For Sore Throats At Ricky’s Pharmacy

The kids are off school and everyone has plans to enjoy the summer, the last thing anybody wants to deal with right now is a sore throat. They can make you feel run down and make enjoying food and drink difficult, not what you want on holiday! Luckily, through Pharmacy First, at Ricky’s Pharmacy we can help you manage your symptoms, get treatment and get back to enjoying summer in no time!

Symptoms of a Sore Throat

A sore throat can be different for everyone, it can feel quite mild for some and for others really painful and a constant discomfort. Typically symptoms of a sore throat include:

• Pain or scratchiness in the throat: This is often the first sign for people, making swallowing food uncomfortable.
• Redness and swelling: Your throat may appear red and swollen towards the back of your throat. You can check to see if you have this symptom with a mirror and a light.
• Hoarseness: Your voice might sound strained or weak as if you’ve lost your throat, you may even notice that it’s uncomfortable to speak for long periods of time.
• Dry throat
• Cough: A sore throat often comes with a persistent cough, not all the time but if you have this symptom make a note of when it starts and if your cough gets worse.
• Swollen glands: Lymph nodes in your neck may feel tender and enlarged.

These symptoms can be more pronounced if the sore throat is caused by a bacterial infection rather than a viral one. Symptoms can vary between person to person and be impacted by things like age and other medical conditions you have.

If you think you’re dealing with a sore throat, keep a record of your symptoms and more importantly keep an eye out for them getting worse.

When to Get Treatment for a Sore Throat

Most sore throats are caused by viral infections and will improve on their own within a week. There are some signs that you should get help from your GP or pharmacist sooner rather than later:

• Severe pain: If the pain is intense and doesn’t improve with over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen or throat sprays.
• High temperature: A fever above 38°C that doesn’t get better is a sign to get help.
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing: These are serious symptoms that require immediate medical attention especially if your breathing is effected.
• Persistent symptoms: If your sore throat lasts longer than a week or you keep getting sore throats, it’s time to make an appointment with your GP.

How We Can Help with Sore Throats

Nobody likes to feel poorly, through Pharmacy First we can help you manage your sore throat symptoms and prescribe medication if you need them.

We can offer you pain relief options like paracetamol or ibuprofen, as well as throat lozenges and antiseptic sprays. It’s important that at your Pharmacy First appointment you let us know if there any medications you can’t take.

As well as medication we can help you with some ways to help you manage your symptoms at home such as making sure you get plenty of rest, drink fluids to soothe your throat and how to gargle salt water properly.

We’ll also let you know whether or not you need to see a GP to get further treatment for your symptoms so you can have complete peace of mind.

We can see patients for sore throat treatment on the Pharmacy First service that are 5 years old and over. If the patient is younger than this you’ll need to go to your GP.

Common Questions About Sore Throats

What can I do to soothe a sore throat at home?

Drink plenty of fluids, gargle with warm salty water, and suck on ice lollies or throat lozenges. Rest your voice and avoid smoking.

When should a sore throat be treated with antibiotics?

Antibiotics are rarely needed for sore throats. They are only prescribed if a bacterial infection like strep throat is confirmed. You’ll need to speak to your GP about this.

When does a sore throat need urgent medical attention?

Seek urgent help if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe pain, high fever, or if symptoms last more than a week.

How can we help with your sore throat symptoms?

We can recommend effective over-the-counter treatments, provide advice on self-care, and help determine if you need to see your GP.

What are the signs that a sore throat might be more serious?

Signs include white patches on the tonsils, swollen glands, fever, and no improvement after a few days. If you have these, see your GP. If you’re unsure you can always call our pharmacy on 020 8394 0151 and we’ll advise.

How do you treat sore throats in children differently from adults?

It can be a challenge to look after sore throats in children. Make sure your child stays hydrated, use children safe pain relief if needed, and speak to your GP if they have a high fever, difficulty breathing, or persistent symptoms.

If your child is over 5 years old we can see them through the Pharmacy First service.

What over-the-counter treatments are recommended for sore throats?

Pain relief like paracetamol or ibuprofen, throat lozenges, and antiseptic sprays can help. Always follow the instructions on the packaging and speak to your pharmacist if you’re unsure about which medicine to take.