For the last few weeks my voice has been very croaky, though it is not sore. I am otherwise very well. I have to talk a lot for work. Could this be the reason? What can I do to help it and should I go to my doctors?

The most common cause of a sore throat are viral infections. These will be more or less the same viruses causing the common cold, or flu.

In addition, if the body's immune system is not strong enough to fight these infections off effectively, complications can arise in the form of bacterial infections - also known as secondary infections. This is one reason for the use of antibiotics.

Of course, there are other causes of a sore throat including:

- Straining the voice after shouting too much
- Allergies
- Acid reflux
- Smoking.

If your sore throat persists and remains unexplained, please seek help from your doctors. You could try Echinaforce and Sage Sore throat spray to see if it helps in the meantime.