Dr. Niamh Kelly
In personOnlineIMC verified
Sore throat
A sore throat is pain, scratchiness or irritation in the throat, often worse when swallowing. It is commonly linked with viral infection, allergies, smoke or tonsil problems, but breathing or swallowing difficulty needs urgent care.
When to get emergency care
Get emergency help immediately if you have any of these:
- Trouble breathing, noisy breathing, choking or blue lips.
- Unable to swallow saliva, drooling, or signs of dehydration.
- Severe neck swelling, stiff neck, confusion or extreme drowsiness.
- Muffled voice, difficulty opening the mouth, or severe one-sided throat pain.
- Sore throat with rash, high fever, weak immunity, or symptoms lasting longer than expected.
Get emergency help or call 112
Common causes
- Viral cold or flu-like illness.
- Tonsil or throat infection.
- Allergy, post-nasal drip or sinus irritation.
- Smoke, air pollution, shouting or dryness.
- Acid reflux irritating the throat.
What to expect at your consultation
- A clinician may ask about fever, cough, runny nose, swallowing, voice change and exposure to illness.
- They may examine the throat, neck glands, ears and temperature.
- Testing may be advised if a bacterial throat infection or another cause is suspected.
Looking after yourself
- Rest your voice and drink safe fluids if swallowing is comfortable.
- Avoid smoke, dust and very spicy foods if they worsen irritation.
- Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, keep returning, or last more than a few days.
Frequently asked questions
- Is sore throat usually serious?
- Most sore throats are not serious, but breathing trouble, drooling, severe neck swelling or inability to swallow needs urgent care.
- Can pollution cause sore throat?
- Yes. Smoke, dust and air pollution can irritate the throat.
- Do all sore throats need antibiotics?
- No. Many are viral. A clinician can decide if testing or specific treatment is needed.
- Which doctor treats sore throat?
- A general physician can assess most cases. An ENT specialist helps with recurrent, severe or one-sided throat problems.
Not sure how urgent this is?
Answer a few questions and we will tell you how soon to be seen.
Check my symptomsWhich doctor should I see?
- General Physician Good first contact for common sore throat and fever symptoms.
- ENT Specialist Helpful for recurrent tonsil problems, voice change, swallowing difficulty or one-sided throat pain.
Not sure? See a general physician
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