‘Red flags’

The NHS A-Z lists the following symptoms as red flags for sore throat with the necessary action being to call 999 or go straight to A&E.

Patient (including children):

• Having difficulty breathing or unable to swallow
• Drooling – this may be a sign of not being able to swallow
• Making a high-pitched sound during breathing (called stridor)
• Having severe symptoms that are getting worse quickly.

The other diagnosis to consider is sepsis. See Table 1 for NHS A-Z advice on recognising the red flags for sepsis. The advice is to call 999 or going straight to A&E.

Patients who appear dehydrated may also need urgent referral. If quinsy or other throat/neck abscess is suspected, these should be referred to A&E urgently, as well.