Katie Richardson discusses an evidence-based approach to the management and treatment of patients with common throat infections

Sore throats are common presentations in emergency and primary care settings and, although only between 5 and 10 per cent of adults with this condition are found to have bacterial infections, the use of antibiotics is still widespread. This article refers to a case study to describe the causes and complications of acute sore throats, and reviews the literature on the use of antibiotics. It also recommends the McIsaac scoring system as a reliable method of diagnosis and treatment decision making.