When your throat turns scratchy and hurts to swallow, it is hard to know whether to see a doctor. The NHS says sore throats normally get better by themselves within a week, are usually caused by viruses such as colds or flu, or by smoking, and do not normally need antibiotics. But if you have difficulty breathing, cannot swallow or are drooling, go to A&E. This sets out the NHS page “Sore throat”.
1. Usually better within a week. Not improving after a week? See a GP.
2. Salt water gargle, fluids, soft food, rest. Children should not gargle salt water.
3. Trouble breathing, unable to swallow or drooling is an emergency. The same with a high-pitched sound when breathing.
Symptoms — NHS
- A painful throat, especially when swallowing
- A dry, scratchy throat
- Redness at the back of the mouth
- Bad breath, a mild cough, swollen neck glands
What to do at home — NHS
| Do | What the NHS says | Worth noting (our gloss) |
|---|---|---|
| Salt water gargle | Gargle warm salty water and spit it out — children should not try this | No amount of salt given |
| Drink and eat | Plenty of water; cool or soft food | Easy to swallow |
| Rest | Rest | — |
| Painkillers | Ask a pharmacist about paracetamol or ibuprofen | Paracetamol = acetaminophen in Korea |
| Avoid | Smoking and smoky places | Smoking can itself be the cause |
From a pharmacy
A pharmacist can suggest medicated lozenges containing a local anaesthetic, antiseptic or anti-inflammatory medicine. Anaesthetic sprays exist too, but there is little proof they help when used on their own.
Antibiotics — not normally needed
The NHS says you do not normally need antibiotics for a sore throat; they are given only if a bacterial infection is possible. Sore throats are usually caused by viruses such as colds or flu, or by smoking, and less often by bacteria, laryngitis, tonsillitis, strep throat or glandular fever.
When to get help — three levels
| How urgent | When | Where the NHS points you |
|---|---|---|
| Non-urgent | No better after a week · frequent sore throats · a child under 5 · a lump in the mouth or neck, or a mouth ulcer lasting over 3 weeks | GP |
| Urgent | A very high temperature, or feeling hot, cold or shivery · a weakened immune system (diabetes, chemotherapy) · signs of dehydration such as peeing less | Urgent GP appointment or NHS 111 |
| Emergency | Difficulty breathing or unable to swallow · drooling (a sign of not being able to swallow) · a high-pitched sound when breathing (stridor) | 999 or A&E |
NHS 111 and 999 are UK numbers. Choosing between an emergency room and a local clinic in Korea is covered in ER or local clinic.
How the US CDC puts it
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also says viruses that cause colds or flu are the most common cause, and that most sore throats get better on their own within one week. If a virus causes it, antibiotics will not help, and apart from strep throat (group A Streptococcus) most sore throats do not need them; unneeded antibiotics can still cause side effects such as allergic reactions.
The CDC’s relief tips are ice chips, popsicles or lozenges (no lozenges for children under 4), a clean humidifier, salt water gargles, warm drinks and plenty of fluids, and honey for cough from age 1. See a provider for difficulty breathing or swallowing, blood in saliva or phlegm, excessive drooling in young children, dehydration, swollen painful joints, a rash, or symptoms that do not improve within a few days or get worse; get care right away if a baby under 3 months has a fever of 38°C or higher.
The NHS uses “after a week” and the CDC “within a few days” as the point to seek care. We give both as written.
Checklist
- ☐ Plenty of water, cool or soft food, rest
- ☐ Adults: gargle salt water and spit; not for children
- ☐ Avoid smoke
- ☐ No better after a week? See a GP
- ☐ Trouble breathing or swallowing, or drooling: go to A&E
Questions that remain
What if it might be flu?
Vaccine eligibility and timing are in flu vaccine.
What if my child is coughing too?
See baby cough and cold.
If your ear hurts when you swallow, the NHS lists sore throat and tonsillitis among causes of earache too (earache).
Sources
- NHS — Sore throat — original (page last reviewed 8 April 2024, next review due 8 April 2027; checked 12 October 2026). A week, symptoms, salt water gargle (not children), fluids, soft food, rest and painkillers, smoking, lozenges and sprays, antibiotics, causes, three levels of help (a week, under 5, 3 weeks, immunity, dehydration, breathing, drooling, stridor).
- CDC — About Sore Throat — original (17 April 2024; checked 12 October 2026). Viruses and strep, one week, antibiotics, relief tips (no lozenges under 4, honey from 1), signs to seek care, under 3 months at 38°C.
- Not read. Korean agencies’ sore throat guidance.
- Added by us. The “worth noting” column and the medicine naming note.
Where to check further
- A pharmacy — lozenges and painkillers.
Written 12 October 2026. The content follows the NHS and CDC originals; the glosses are ours.
