Sore Throat

Honey has natural antibacterial properties that can heal wounds, reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

If you're constantly coughing, this may aggravate your sore throat, but honey also works as a cough suppressant which will give the irritated throat tissue time to heal.

You can take honey with a spoon, or mix it into warm water or tea.

Depending on the treatment that you use, there will be different active ingredients that have different properties.

The main properties of sore throat treatments will either be a painkiller (known as an analgesic) or as an anaesthetic, which numbs the throat area.

A sore throat will usually go away in 5-7 days.

If you decide to take antibiotics, then it should go away in 2-3 days.

In some cases, it can last for longer.

If you do experience a sore throat for a longer period of time, it is recommended that you speak to a doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist for advice.

Benzydamine throat spray is available over the counter from pharmacies like Chemist4U.

However, you may need to answer some simple questions before you buy your product.

Pharmacists are legally required to ask these questions before selling some kinds of medications, as they help them to know whether the medication you want to buy is suitable and safe for you to use.

Once you’ve answered these questions, our pharmacist will review your order and send it out for delivery, or get in touch with you to explain why the product isn’t right for you and discuss some alternative options.

A sore throat is usually a symptom of a virus such as a cold or the flu.

This is why many cold and flu treatments can also help to treat a sore throat.

Other conditions that can cause a sore throat include laryngitis, tonsilitis, glandular fever, as well as a condition known as strep throat which is a bacterial infection.

If you feel any of the following symptoms then you could be suffering from a sore throat:

• Pain in the throat, especially when swallowing
• A dry throat with a scratchy feel
• Redness in the mouth
• Bad breath (halitosis)
• A weak cough
• Swollen neck glands

Children can also get a high temperature and also be less active when suffering from a sore throat.

The best treatment for your sore throat depends on the cause and what kind of treatment works for you.

For example, some people prefer pain relief sprays or rinses that help to numb the back of their throat.

Others prefer lozenges with antiseptic properties that help to tackle the irritation in the area.

If you’re ever unsure which one would be the best choice for you, ask our pharmacists or your GP for their recommendations and they’ll help to get you on the right track.