Nose & throat
Sore throat, blocked nose, sinus pain, hoarseness and loss of smell are all common presentations in primary care.
Most acute symptoms are viral and self-limiting. Persistent hoarseness or lump-in-throat sensation over 3 weeks needs onward assessment.
Common symptom patterns
- · Sore throat with a runny nose
- · Facial pressure and blocked nose
- · Loss of smell after a viral illness
- · Hoarse voice after shouting or a cold
When to book a GP
- · Sore throat lasting more than 1 week
- · Sinus pain lasting more than 10 days
- · Persistent loss of smell
When urgent help may be needed
- · Difficulty breathing or swallowing saliva
- · One-sided severe sore throat with muffled voice and drooling
- · Hoarseness lasting more than 3 weeks
Call 998 (UAE ambulance) or attend the nearest emergency department.
Symptoms in this category
Related blood & diagnostic tests
- · Rapid strep test
- · Full blood count
- · CRP
- · PCR / viral swabs where indicated
Related Aafiyah services
FAQs
Do I need antibiotics for a sore throat?+
Most sore throats are viral and do not benefit from antibiotics. A clinical assessment — sometimes with a rapid strep test — decides whether antibiotics are appropriate.
Other symptom categories
Concerned about nose & throat symptoms?
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