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Sore Throat Treatment: NHS Advice & Best Medicines
- PHARMACY FIRST
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by Gulfam
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Having a sore throat can really get under your skin, and it can be one of the most common minor health problems there is. It ranges from a little discomfort, to the extreme of a sore throat feeling like a burning pain, and swallowing becomes nearly impossible. Every year, millions of sore throats are reported in the UK and the great news is, for most of those cases, treatment can be received without the need to visit a GP.
In Liverpool, UK, under NHS provision, evasive sore throat treatment can be obtained from your community pharmacies. You can get and relieve your sore throat symptoms under the Pharmacy First service.
What Is a Sore Throat and Why Does It Happen?
Pain, irritation, or scratchiness in the throat which can get worse with swallowing is of clinical terms, pharyngitis. It’s the pharyngitis which is more commonly called a sore throat. It can happen slowly or come on suddenly. It can happen with a cough, fever, headache, swollen glands, hoarseness, and can also be associated with throat pain.
1. Common Infections and Their Treatment
This includes the common cold, influenza, COVID-19, and occasionally glandular fever. Since it is a viral infection, it is futile to expect the infection to respond to antibiotics. Pain, fever, and general discomfort can still be treated with paracetamol and ibuprofen.
2. Bacterial Infections (e.g., Strep Throat)
These have the potential to be more serious. This is especially true if the patient presents with tonsils that have white patches, a high fever, and swollen lymph nodes. In such instances, pharmacists can propose the use of the antibiotic phenoxymethylpenicillin.
3. Environmental Factors
Throat irritation can be the result of dry air, allergies, smoking, or excessive shouting. These will bathe in hydration, and OTC products will ensure these issues resolve.
NHS-Recommended Medicine for Sore Throat Relief
These are common patient questions in the NHS: “What medicine helps a sore throat fast?” and “Do paracetamol help a sore throat?” Let’s analyse these queries based on your local pharmacy.
Paracetamol: Gentle but Effective Pain Relief
Paracetamol is the first step towards sore throat relief that should be suggested. This is the first medication you would suggest for a patient. This is because it combines anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and is light enough to be tolerated by the patient’s stomach. It is a complete relief in a single dose because it controls fever and removes any discomfort.
Can paracetamol help a sore throat?
Sure! You can suggest paracetamol for sore throat cases. Paracetamol helps relieve the burning and scratchy throat feeling. It helps more when fever is present and it makes swallowing easier. It remains safe for the patient.
Buy Paracetamol 500mg Tablets – Available at VitalMeds
Ibuprofen: For Inflammation and Swelling
Ibuprofen reduces throat inflammation and helps when high fever is present. It removes the pain and helps at bringing the fever down. It also serves the purpose when used with paracetamol for throat inflammation and fever.
Ibuprofen for sore throat — is it better than paracetamol?
Ibuprofen works better for throat inflammation. It helps relieve throat pain directly and also brings down inflammation. It helps at controlling moderate and severe sore throat symptoms.
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Phenoxymethylpenicillin: When Antibiotics Are Needed
But if your sore throat is the result of a bacterial infection, for example, strep throat is a case where a prescription for antibiotics will also need to be filed alongside your sore throat. In such a case, antibiotics will work for strep throat as phenoxymethylpenicillin will be a viable option for a sore throat when prescribed through the NHS.
Your pharmacist can evaluate your condition through Pharmacy First and provide antibiotics without needing to book a GP appointment.
What Relieves Severe Sore Throat Pain Fast?
There is no one remedy that will instantly relieve the pain, but using a combination of several recommendations will bring about a fast improvement, such as
- Warm Saltwater Gargle:Mix one teaspoon of salt into one glass of warm water, and then gargle for 30 seconds. This will reduce swelling and kill some bacteria.
- Lozenges or Sprays: Throat lozenges and throat sprays containing benzocaine, menthol, and honey help numb the throat and soothe painful throats.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink warm drinks, such as honey and lemon tea, broth, or water. Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.
- Painkillers: Pain will be relieved in 15 to 30 minutes with the help of paracetamol or ibuprofen and that is the relief you want.
How Can You Get Rid of a Sore Throat Fast?
There’s no overnight cure for a sore throat, but some methods can be combined for the fastest possible relief. Pain relief with paracetamol or ibuprofen and warm honey and lemon tea, along with medicated throat lozenges, will help soothe the pain in a matter of minutes.
Use the Pharmacy First Service – No GP Needed
No need to call your GP for an appointment first to get your sore throat treated. This will be quicker and more convenient, especially if your GP is hard to reach for an appointment.
Your pharmacist service is available through Pharmacy First at VitalMeds, which lets you:
Talk to a pharmacist
- Receive guidelines from the NHS
- Get a prescription for antibiotics if necessary
- Get any over the counter medication you want
Recommended Products (Available at VitalMeds)
| Product | Use | Buy Link |
| Paracetamol Tablets 500mg | General pain & fever relief | Buy Now |
| Ibuprofen 200mg Tablets | Reduces pain & inflammation | Buy Now |
| Antibacterial Lozenges | Quick throat soothing | Buy Now |
| Phenoxymethylpenicillin (prescription only) | Bacterial infections | Available through Pharmacy First |
Where to Get Fast Sore Throat Relief Today
Sore throats happen, but try not to let them ruin your week. Simple treatments at home, over the counter medications, and the help of your pharmacy can give you relief fast and in most cases, you won’t have to see a doctor.
Use VitalMeds and the pharmacy first liverpool, available to you.
FAQ For Sore Throat Relief
Can paracetamol help a sore throat?
One of the most suggested medecine is paracetamol for sore throat. It relieves the pain and fever associated with the sore throat which helps swallowing and talking. It is well tolerated and taken q4-6h prn.
What kills a sore throat fast in 5 minutes?
There is no instant relief from a sore throat, however for 5 minutes, lozenges, warm saltwater gargles, and pain relief medications such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may prove useful. This method targets pain relief and decreases inflammation and the associated discomfort, which results in fast relief.
Is ibuprofen good for sore throat?
Ibuprofen works well for sore throat, especially with swelling, inflammation, and high fever. Pain and inflammation from a sore throat can also result in the throat becoming hard. If paracetamol is not enough for pain management, ibuprofen is a great substitute or can be used in conjunction with paracetamol (if advised).
Do I need antibiotics for a sore throat?
Not in all situations. Most sore throat cases are viral, therefore antibiotics are not necessary. If there is a bacterial infection such as strep throat, then antibiotics are required, which, for sore throat, a pharmacist or GP can prescribe phenoxymethylpenicillin.
