Sore throat: 'Severe' sore throat may indicate glandular fever

Sore throats are usually not a major concern, as there are many remedies for this condition. However, as the months get colder and the illness known as the flu is about to wreak havoc on many places, a severe sore throat may indicate another condition.

Express reports that if a sore throat is followed by other acute symptoms, then it may indicate glandular fever. This condition mostly affects teenagers and young adults, and while it can get better with treatment, it can make the person miserable as it can last for weeks at a time. Other symptoms of glandular fever include chills, a high temperature, swelling on the side of the neck indicating swollen glands, fatigue, and tonsillitis that does not get better over time.

Because glandular fever is a viral disease, antibiotics will not work. The doctor will likely advise the patient to get plenty of rest, drink a lot of fluids to avoid getting dehydrated, as well as over-the-counter medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen. Keep in mind, that aspirin should not be given to children under the age of 16.

It bears noting that while glandular fever will get better within two to three weeks, some may experience fatigue for months. Therefore, doctors highly advise engaging in physical activity gradually as the energy comes back. As to what kind of exercise that can be done, doctors advise not to do anything that would require falling as this may damage the spleen - the spleen will swell during this time.

Drinking alcohol should be avoided while getting better from glandular fever because the liver may be weak at this time.

Sore throats, in general, may be caused by several factors: acid reflux and allergies apart from the flu and other related conditions. In the case of acid reflux, doctors advise to avoid eating acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus as well as spicy food and caffeine and alcohol and take the prescribed medication. In the case of allergies, where sore throats are also accompanied by a stuffy nose and watery eyes, the over-the-counter allergy medication can greatly improve and alleviate the condition.