Written by Clémentine, reviewed and medically validated by Arnaud, Doctor of Pharmacy, owner of Pharmacie Soin et Nature. Updated on 16 October 2026.
A sore throat is pain or irritation of the pharynx, often with discomfort when swallowing. Most of the time it is caused by a mild viral infection or simple irritation and clears up within a few days. In this article, Arnaud, pharmacist and pharmacy owner, explains where a sore throat comes from, which simple steps make it easier to bear day to day, and when you should see a doctor.
What is a sore throat and what are the symptoms?
The pain is located in the pharynx, the area behind the mouth. Depending on the cause, other signs may appear:
- Discomfort when swallowing, sometimes a tight feeling in the throat;
- Cough, runny nose, common with a cold;
- Hoarse voice, with laryngitis or after talking a lot;
- Fever in some cases, particularly with tonsillitis.
If you think you have tonsillitis, our article viral or bacterial tonsillitis: how to tell the difference describes the signs that distinguish them.
What causes a sore throat?
- Viral infections: common cold (rhinopharyngitis), laryngitis, more rarely glandular fever.
- Tonsillitis: inflammation of the tonsils, viral in the vast majority of cases, more rarely bacterial.
- Irritants: dry air, dust, tobacco smoke, talking or shouting too much.
- Other causes: gastro-oesophageal reflux, a foreign body such as a fish bone.
At the pharmacy, we often find that people with a sore throat mainly want quick relief. We start by checking for any warning signs, then recommend a treatment suited to how strong the pain is along with a few simple steps, and remind them to come back if nothing improves after 48 hours.
Which treatments can relieve a sore throat?
According to Santé.fr (the French public health information service), a sore throat is first treated by relieving its symptoms. Paracetamol is suitable for intense pain over a short period. Lozenges and throat sprays are suitable for moderate pain without fever. Local anaesthetics can increase the risk of choking: avoid them just before a meal. In case of tonsillitis, Santé.fr advises against anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen.
Antibiotics have no effect on viruses. If tonsillitis is suspected, your pharmacist can perform a rapid test: everything you need to know about this test is in our guide to recognising viral or bacterial tonsillitis.
Which everyday steps can soothe a sore throat?
- Stay hydrated: water, herbal teas or warm broths. Santé.fr recommends herbal teas sweetened with honey.
- Honey: in a herbal tea or by the spoonful, it soothes the throat. It is strictly not recommended before the age of 1 (risk of infant botulism according to ANSES, the French food safety agency). For your herbal tea, we offer Propolia organic linden honey.
- Gargling with salt water or bicarbonate: a traditional way to soothe irritation. Do not swallow. You will find Cooper sodium bicarbonate in a powder flask at the pharmacy.
- Soft foods: choose liquid or blended textures. Avoid acidic or very salty foods. Quince or blackberry, as jelly or syrup, are among the traditional ways to soothe the throat.
- Mullein: as a herbal tea, it is a plant traditionally used for a throat irritated by a dry cough or a cold, in adults and adolescents over 12. You will find it with other soothing plants in our article on herbs and essential oils for sore throats.
- Vitamin C: it contributes to the normal function of the immune system. It is found in fresh fruit and vegetables. It is also available as a food supplement, for example Alvityl Acerola 1000, vitamin C tablets.
- Air and voice: humidify dry air, ventilate your home, rest your voice. Avoid smoking.
| Solution | When | Precaution |
|---|---|---|
| Paracetamol | Intense pain, fever | Do not exceed the maximum dose stated in the leaflet |
| Throat lozenges, spray | Moderate pain without fever | Local anaesthetics: not just before a meal |
| Honey, hot drinks | Throat comfort | Never give honey before age 1 |
| Salt water or bicarbonate gargle | Irritated throat | Do not swallow |
For advice suited to your situation, discover our throat care selection, chosen by our pharmacists.
When should you see a doctor for a sore throat?
- Pain that is hard to bear, fever, headache, vomiting or difficulty breathing: see a doctor the same day;
- No improvement after 48 hours: see your doctor;
- Baby, child under 3, pregnant woman, vulnerable person or person on medication: ask your pharmacist before any self-medication.
A sore throat can also be one of the symptoms of a respiratory infection such as flu or Covid-19. If tonsillitis is the cause, our complete guide to tonsillitis explains how it is treated.
Frequently asked questions about sore throats
How long does a sore throat last?
A viral sore throat usually clears up within a few days. With tonsillitis, the pain can last up to a week.
Why do I have a sore throat when I wake up?
A sore throat on waking can be caused by very dry air in the bedroom or by gastro-oesophageal reflux. If it comes back every morning, talk to your doctor.
What should I eat with a sore throat?
Choose liquid or blended foods, warm soups and hot drinks. Avoid acidic or very salty foods, which can make the pain worse.
Can I give honey to a baby with a sore throat?
No, honey is strictly not recommended before the age of 1, whatever its origin, because of the risk of infant botulism. Ask your pharmacist for advice.
When should I see a doctor or pharmacist for a sore throat?
See a doctor the same day if you have intense pain, fever, headache, vomiting or difficulty breathing. See a doctor within the next few days if symptoms do not improve after 48 hours.
Sources
- Santé.fr — Tonsillitis and sore throat in adults (in French)
- Santé.fr — Tonsillitis: definition, diagnosis, treatment, prevention (in French)
- ANSES — No honey for children under one year old (in French)
- European Medicines Agency — Verbasci flos (mullein)
- Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 — authorised health claims
This information is general and does not replace personalised medical advice. If you have symptoms, ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice.
