Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is an common infection of the tonsils and causes a sore throat or mouth. It's a common childhood illness, but teenagers and adults can get it too.
Tonsillitis usually gets better on its own after a few days but it can last longer.
To help treat the symptoms:
- get plenty of rest
- drink cool drinks to soothe the throat
- take paracetamol or ibuprofen (do not give aspirin to children under 16)
- gargle with warm salty water (children should not do this)
Often a local pharmacist can help with over the counter medication to help symptoms feel better. They can give advice and suggest treatments, like:
- lozenges containing a local anaesthetic, antiseptic, or anti-inflammatory medicine
- throat sprays (although there's little proof they help)
- antiseptic solutions
Glandular fever
Glandular fever is most common in people aged 15 to 24 years old and is another common cause of a sore throat. There may also be other symptoms:
- high temperature
- swollen glands, which may be in the neck, head, armpits, elbows, or groin
- a rash, which may be harder to see on black or brown skin
- headache, tiredness
Mouth ulcers
Often mouth ulcers will get better on their own. A local pharmacist can help recommend over the counter medications that can make ulcers feel better.
Mouth ulcers are a concern if they do not go away after a few weeks, or a continuously bleeding and painful.