Definition
A sore throat is the general name for 2 common conditions:
- Pharyngitis—swelling and inflammation of the back of the throat, including the back of the tongue
- Tonsillopharyngitis—swelling and inflammation of the throat behind the mouth and nose and the tonsils
Sore Throat Due to Inflammation
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Causes
Many things can cause a sore throat such as:
- Viral infections such as the flu , mononucleosis , and the common cold
- Bacterial infections such as strep throat
- Mucus from your sinuses that drains into your throat
- Smoking
- Breathing polluted air
- Drinking alcoholic beverages
- Seasonal or other allergies
- Acid reflux from the stomach
- Food debris collecting in small pockets in the tonsils
- Certain immune or inflammatory disorders
Risk Factors
Sore throats are more common children, teens, or people aged 65 years and older. Other factors that may increase your chance of a sore throat include:
- Exposure to someone with a sore throat or any other infection involving the throat or nose
- Exposure to cigarette smoke, toxic fumes, industrial smoke, and other air pollutants
- Having seasonal or other allergies
- Having other conditions that affect your immune system, such as HIV infection or cancer
Symptoms
Along with the sore throat, you may have other symptoms such as:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Fever
- Enlarged lymph nodes in your neck
- Hoarse voice
- Red or irritated-looking throat
- Swollen tonsils
- White patches on or near your tonsils
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
When Should I Call My Doctor?
Call your doctor if you:
- Experience a worsening of your sore throat or the symptom lasts longer than you or your doctor expect
- Have difficulty swallowing or breathing
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Have developed other symptoms, such as:
- White patches on tonsils (may be a sign of strep throat)
- Enlarged lymph nodes on your neck
- Rash
- Fever
- Earache
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle or joint aches
- Fatigue
- Blood in saliva
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests calling your child's doctor if your child has a sore throat that goes on for more than 1 day (no matter what other symptoms are present).
If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will do a physical exam. This involves looking closely at your mouth, throat, nose, ears, and the lymph nodes in your neck.
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This physical exam may include:
- Using a small instrument to look inside the nose, ears, and mouth
- Gently touching the lymph nodes (glands) in your neck to check for swelling
- Taking your temperature
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The doctor will ask questions about:
- Your family and medical history
- Recent exposure to someone with strep throat or any other infection of the throat, nose, or ears
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Other tests include:
- Rapid strep test or throat culture—using a cotton swab to touch the back of the throat to check for strep throat
- Blood tests —to identify other conditions that may be causing the sore throat
- Mono spot test —if mononucleosis is suspected
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause of the sore throat. Options may include:
Medications
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Pain relievers or fever reducers
- Note: Aspirin is not recommended for children with a current or recent viral infection. Check with your doctor before giving your child aspirin.
- Antibiotics for a sore throat caused by a bacterial infection
- Throat lozenges
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Decongestants and antihistamines to relieve nasal congestion and runny nose
- Note: Over the counter cough and cold medication should not be given to children under 4 years of age. This type of medication can cause serious life threatening problems in young children.
- Numbing throat spray for pain control in older children and adults, although the relief is very short-lived
- Corticosteroids to help manage discomfort or help breathing if there is trouble
Other Steps to Manage Symptoms
Self-care steps that may help you feel better include:
- Get plenty of rest
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Try warm liquids (tea or broth), or cool liquids
- Gargle with warm saline several times a day
- Avoid irritants that might affect your throat, such as tobacco smoke and cold air
- Avoid drinking alcohol
Prevention
To help reduce your chances of a sore throat:
- Wash your hands frequently. Do this especially after blowing your nose or after caring for a child with a sore throat.
- If someone in your home has a sore throat, keep their eating utensils and drinking glasses separate from those of other family members. Wash these objects in hot, soapy water.
- If a toddler with a sore throat has been sucking on toys, wash the toys in soap and water.
- Immediately get rid of used tissues, and then wash your hands.
- If you have hay fever or another respiratory allergy, create a plan to manage allergies. This should include avoiding allergens and taking medication before exposure.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Marcie L. Sidman, MD
- Review Date: 09/2018 -
- Update Date: 02/07/2018 -