Sore throat
Most sore throats are viral and settle within a week with rest, fluids and simple painkillers. A minority are bacterial (e.g. Strep throat) and benefit from antibiotics. Seek urgent care if you have difficulty breathing, cannot swallow saliva, drool, or have severe one-sided throat pain with muffled voice.
Key information
- Symptom
- Sore throat
- Category
- Nose & throat
- Common possible causes
- Viral pharyngitis, Streptococcal tonsillitis, Postnasal drip, Acid reflux
- Tests that may be considered
- Full blood count, CRP, Monospot / EBV serology if glandular fever suspected
- Clinic assessment
- Available same day
- Home doctor visit
- Available across Dubai
- Home blood test
- Available across Dubai
- Date reviewed
- 2026-07-01
What this symptom means
Sore throat (pharyngitis or tonsillitis) is pain or scratchiness in the throat, often worse on swallowing. It is one of the commonest reasons for GP visits.
Common possible causes
- · Viral pharyngitis
- · Streptococcal tonsillitis
- · Postnasal drip
- · Acid reflux
- · Air-conditioning drying and dust
- · Smoking or vaping
Less common possible causes
- · Glandular fever (infectious mononucleosis)
- · Oral thrush
- · Allergic pharyngitis
Serious causes that must not be missed
- · Quinsy (peritonsillar abscess)
- · Epiglottitis
- · Diphtheria (rare)
- · Head and neck cancer (persistent unilateral symptoms)
- · Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing
- · Drooling or inability to swallow saliva
- · Severe one-sided throat pain with muffled voice
- · Neck stiffness or swelling
- · Sore throat lasting more than 3 weeks
Call 998 (UAE ambulance) or attend the nearest emergency department for any of the above.
When a same-day GP is appropriate
- · High fever with severe throat pain
- · Inability to swallow fluids
- · Suspected quinsy or epiglottitis
When a routine GP appointment is fine
- · Mild to moderate sore throat with cold symptoms
- · Recurrent tonsillitis for review
Questions a doctor may ask
- · How long have you had the sore throat?
- · Any fever, cough, runny nose or swollen glands?
- · Any difficulty swallowing or breathing?
- · Is the pain one-sided?
- · Any rash or fatigue?
- · Any known contacts with strep throat?
History factors that may matter
- · Recurrent tonsillitis
- · Smoking or vaping
- · Reflux disease
- · Immunosuppression
What may happen during the examination
- · Temperature and general observation
- · Throat and tonsil examination
- · Neck examination for swollen glands
- · Ears and chest as indicated
Tests that may be considered
Blood tests
- · Full blood count
- · CRP
- · Monospot / EBV serology if glandular fever suspected
Other tests
- · Rapid strep test or throat swab where indicated
When a specialist referral may be considered
- · ENT for suspected quinsy, recurrent tonsillitis or persistent unilateral symptoms
Possible treatment approaches
- · Paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain
- · Salt-water gargles and lozenges
- · Antibiotics only for confirmed or strongly suspected bacterial infection (Centor/FeverPAIN criteria)
- · Drainage for quinsy under ENT care
Safe self-care
- · Warm fluids, honey and lemon
- · Rest and hydration
- · Avoid smoke and vaping
- · Cool, humidified air if AC is drying
Best avoided
- · Demanding antibiotics for a viral sore throat
- · Ignoring severe one-sided or persistent throat pain
How Aafiyah can help
- · Same-day GP assessment in clinic or at home
- · Rapid strep testing where indicated
- · Appropriate antibiotic prescribing
- · ENT referral where required
Related tests
Related conditions
- Tonsillitis
- Glandular fever
- Acid reflux (GORD)
Frequently asked questions
Do I need antibiotics for a sore throat?+
Most sore throats are viral and do not need antibiotics. A doctor uses clinical scoring (FeverPAIN or Centor) and, where appropriate, a rapid strep test to decide.
How long does a sore throat last?+
Most viral sore throats settle within 5–7 days. Persistent or worsening symptoms should be reviewed.
When is a sore throat an emergency?+
Emergency signs include difficulty breathing, drooling, inability to swallow saliva, or a muffled ‘hot-potato’ voice with severe one-sided pain — go to A&E.
Medical references
- · NICE CKS — Sore throat — cks.nice.org.uk
- · NHS — Sore throat — nhs.uk
Medically reviewed by: Dr Shahbaz Afzal — British-trained Family Medicine Consultant, DHA-licensed
Written: 2026-07-01 · Reviewed: 2026-07-01 · Next review: 2027-01-01
This page provides general medical information for people in Dubai and the UAE. It does not replace personal medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified clinician about any medical concern.
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