Why am I having a sore throat?

When we talk about having a sore throat, we’re describing the pain or irritation that can affect one part or all parts of your throat lining.

The pain or discomfort you feel with a sore throat is caused by inflammation of your throat. Most sore throats are caused by a viral infection, but some can also result from bacterial infections such as Strep throat. These infections cause inflammation in your throat – leading to pain, redness and swelling. Other factors that can lead to throat pain or irritation include allergies, smoke or pollution in the air, and even changes in the weather or season.

Not all sore throats feel the same

A sore throat can also feel different depending on what part of your throat or mouth is inflamed and during the different stages of infection. It might hurt all through your mouth and throat, or only at the back of your throat. Sometimes you might experience pain in the roof of your mouth, on the back of your tongue or on your tonsils (the fleshy bits on the side of your throat at the back).


When to see a doctor or talk to a pharmacist

DIFFLAM® AB and DIFFLAM HEXTRA has a range of lozenges to help relieve your sore throat symptoms. Talk to your pharmacist to find out which sore throat medication is right for you and your symptoms.

You should see your doctor if your throat pain doesn’t go away or it gets worse after 3 days, or if you experience any of the following:

  • Any new symptoms
  • Dehydration
  • Severe throat or neck pain or stiffness
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Drooling
  • Muffled or hoarse voice

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