What are the common causes of a sore throat. How can you distinguish between viral and bacterial sore throats. What are the most effective home remedies for soothing a sore throat. When should you seek medical attention for a persistent sore throat.

Understanding Sore Throats: Types and Causes

A sore throat is a common ailment characterized by pain, irritation, or scratchiness in the throat that often worsens when swallowing. While most sore throats are relatively harmless and resolve on their own, understanding the underlying causes can help in determining the appropriate treatment and preventing complications.

Viral Infections: The Most Common Culprit

The majority of sore throats are caused by viral infections, such as those responsible for the common cold or flu. These viral sore throats typically resolve within a week to ten days without specific treatment. Other viral causes include:

• Mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr virus)
• Adenovirus
• Coronavirus (including SARS-CoV-2)
• Cytomegalovirus

Bacterial Infections: When Antibiotics May Be Necessary

While less common than viral infections, bacterial sore throats can be more severe and may require antibiotic treatment. The most notable bacterial cause is streptococcal pharyngitis, commonly known as strep throat. This infection is caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria and accounts for approximately 5-15% of sore throat cases in adults.

Non-Infectious Causes of Sore Throat

Not all sore throats are due to infections. Other factors that can contribute to throat discomfort include:

• Allergies
• Dry air or low humidity
• Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
• Air pollution
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Overuse of the voice
• Breathing through the mouth during sleep

Recognizing Sore Throat Symptoms: What to Look For

The symptoms of a sore throat can vary depending on the underlying cause. However, some common signs and symptoms include:

• Pain or a scratchy sensation in the throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Swollen glands in the neck or jaw
• Redness in the back of the mouth
• White patches or pus on the tonsils
• Hoarseness or muffled voice

In some cases, particularly with viral or bacterial infections, additional symptoms may accompany the sore throat:

• Fever
• Headache
• Body aches
• Fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting (more common in children)
• Skin rash

Distinguishing Between Viral and Bacterial Sore Throats

While it can be challenging to differentiate between viral and bacterial sore throats based on symptoms alone, there are some characteristics that may provide clues:

Diagnosing Sore Throats: When to See a Doctor

While many sore throats can be managed at home, there are instances where medical attention is necessary. Consider seeing a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Severe throat pain
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• A fever over 101째F (38.3째C) that lasts more than 24 hours
• Swollen glands that persist for more than 2-3 days
• A rash accompanying the sore throat
• Symptoms that persist for more than a week
• Recurrent sore throats

Diagnostic Procedures for Sore Throats

When you visit a healthcare provider for a sore throat, they may perform the following diagnostic procedures:

1. Physical examination: The doctor will visually inspect your throat and feel your neck for swollen lymph nodes.
2. Throat culture: A swab is used to collect a sample from the back of your throat for laboratory analysis.
3. Rapid strep test: This quick test can detect strep bacteria in minutes, though a negative result may need confirmation with a throat culture.
4. Blood tests: In some cases, blood tests may be ordered to check for mononucleosis or other infections.

Effective Treatment Strategies for Sore Throats

The treatment for a sore throat depends on its cause. Here are some general approaches and specific treatments for different types of sore throats:

Viral Sore Throats: Symptomatic Relief

For viral sore throats, which do not respond to antibiotics, the focus is on relieving symptoms and supporting the body’s natural healing process. Strategies include:

• Rest and hydration
• Over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
• Saltwater gargles
• Throat lozenges or hard candies
• Warm liquids (e.g., tea with honey)
• Cool foods (e.g., popsicles, ice cream)

Bacterial Sore Throats: Antibiotic Treatment

For bacterial infections like strep throat, antibiotics are typically prescribed. Common antibiotics include:

• Penicillin
• Amoxicillin
• Cephalosporins (for those allergic to penicillin)

It’s crucial to complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms improve, to prevent the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Non-Infectious Sore Throats: Addressing the Underlying Cause

For sore throats caused by non-infectious factors, treatment involves addressing the root cause:

• Allergies: Antihistamines or nasal corticosteroids
• GERD: Antacids or proton pump inhibitors
• Environmental irritants: Removing or reducing exposure to the irritant

Home Remedies and Natural Treatments for Sore Throats

In addition to medical treatments, several home remedies can provide relief from sore throat symptoms:

Saltwater Gargle

A simple yet effective remedy, gargling with warm salt water can help reduce swelling and provide temporary pain relief. Mix 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces (1 cup) of warm water and gargle several times a day.

Honey

Known for its antibacterial properties, honey can soothe a sore throat and suppress coughs. Add honey to warm tea or take it straight for best results. However, avoid giving honey to children under one year old due to the risk of botulism.

Herbal Teas

Certain herbal teas may help alleviate sore throat symptoms:

• Chamomile tea: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties
• Licorice root tea: May help reduce irritation
• Marshmallow root tea: Can create a protective coating in the throat

Humidifiers

Adding moisture to the air with a humidifier can help prevent your throat from drying out, reducing irritation and discomfort.

Preventing Sore Throats: Strategies for Staying Healthy

While it’s not always possible to prevent a sore throat, certain measures can reduce your risk:

• Practice good hand hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and water
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Don’t share personal items like utensils, towels, or drinking glasses
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water aren’t available
• Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke
• Keep your immune system strong through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep
• Manage allergies effectively to reduce postnasal drip

Vaccination: A Key Prevention Strategy

Certain vaccinations can help prevent infections that may lead to sore throats:

• Influenza vaccine: Annual flu shots can protect against influenza viruses
• Pneumococcal vaccine: Protects against Streptococcus pneumoniae, which can cause throat infections

When to Worry: Complications and Red Flags

While most sore throats are benign and self-limiting, in rare cases, they can lead to complications or be a sign of a more serious condition. Be aware of the following red flags:

Potential Complications

• Peritonsillar abscess: A collection of pus behind the tonsils
• Rheumatic fever: A rare but serious complication of untreated strep throat
• Poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis: Kidney inflammation following strep infection
• Epiglottitis: Inflammation of the epiglottis, which can obstruct breathing

Warning Signs

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Severe pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain relievers
• Inability to open your mouth
• Swelling of the face or neck
• High fever with chills and body aches
• Blood in saliva or phlegm

Special Considerations: Sore Throats in Children and Elderly

Sore throats can affect individuals of all ages, but there are some special considerations for children and the elderly:

Sore Throats in Children

Children are more susceptible to throat infections due to their developing immune systems and close contact with peers in school settings. Some key points to remember:

• Strep throat is more common in children aged 5-15
• Children may have difficulty articulating their symptoms
• Symptoms like abdominal pain and vomiting are more common in children with strep throat
• Avoid giving aspirin to children due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome

Sore Throats in the Elderly

Older adults may face unique challenges when dealing with sore throats:

• Weakened immune systems may increase susceptibility to infections
• Chronic conditions like diabetes can complicate throat infections
• Medications may mask fever or other symptoms
• Dehydration risk is higher, making adequate fluid intake crucial

In both age groups, close monitoring and prompt medical attention when necessary are essential for proper management of sore throats.

Sore Throat – How to Get Rid of A Sore Throat

What is a sore throat?

A sore throat means that your throat hurts. It feels irritated or scratchy. You may feel mild discomfort or a burning pain. A sore throat may feel worse when you swallow. Possible complications from a sore throat include ear and sinus infections. Another complication is an abscess (buildup of pus) near your tonsils.

Symptoms of a sore throat

Depending on the cause of your sore throat, symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Headache
• White spots on your throat or tonsils
• Red, swollen tonsils
• Swollen glands in your neck
• Skin rash

In some cases, additional symptoms may include:

• Abdominal pain (usually in children)
• Vomiting (usually in children)
• Joint or muscle pain

What causes a sore throat?

Most sore throats are caused by viruses, such as the cold or flu virus. Some of the more serious causes of sore throat include tonsillitis, strep throat, and mononucleosis (mono). Other causes include smoking, mouth breathing at night while you sleep, pollution, and allergies to pets, pollens and molds. General anesthesia during surgery can cause a sore throat.

How is a sore throat diagnosed?

Your doctor will do a physical exam. They will look at the back of your throat. Your doctor may swab the back of your throat. This is called a throat culture. It is done to collect a sample of bacteria. This also is used in a rapid strep test. This is a quick test to diagnose strep throat. The test won’t tell if your sore throat is caused by something other than strep. The results of a throat culture take between 24 and 48 hours. If your doctor thinks you may have mono, they will probably do a blood test.

Can a sore throat be prevented or avoided?

The best way to avoid a sore throat is to avoid getting sick. Avoid catching or spreading the viruses and bacteria that cause a sore throat. Wash your hands regularly. Avoid touching your eyes or mouth. Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.

Sore throat treatment

If your sore throat is cause by the flu, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medicine. Antibiotics don’t work on viruses. Most sore throats caused by a cold or flu-type virus go away in a week to 10 days.

If your sore throat is caused by bacteria, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic. You will feel better in a few days. It is important to take all your antibiotics. This reduces the risk that your sore throat will return.

Symptoms caused by mono can last for 4 weeks or more. The treatment for mono is rest and reduced exercise.

If a sore throat is caused by allergies, your doctor may talk to you about allergy triggers. They may recommend medicine for the allergy.

If your sore throat is caused by tonsillitis, you may need an operation. This is called a tonsillectomy. The surgery removes your tonsils. Most people who have tonsillitis don’t need surgery. You might need surgery if you get severe tonsillitis often. You may need surgery if your tonsils are too big.

Living with a sore throat

Easing the pain of a sore throat is all you can do beyond treatment. There are a few ways to do this:

• Take over-the-counter pain medicine. This includes brand names such as Tylenol, Motrin, and Aleve. Do not give children younger than 18 aspirin. Aspirin may cause Reye’s syndrome. This can be fatal.
• Gargle with warm salt water. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt with 1 cup of water and stir.
• Suck on an over-the-counter throat lozenge. Hard candy works too.
• Eat a popsicle.
• Use a humidifier in your bedroom. Move it to other rooms you spend time in.
• Drink liquids to keep your throat from getting dry. Also, this helps prevent dehydration.

Questions to ask your doctor

• Will hot drinks make my sore throat worse?
• Does honey help ease the pain of a sore throat?
• Should I go to work or school if I have a sore throat?
• Can a dry room cause a sore throat?
• Can certain medicines cause a sore throat?

Resources

National Institutes of Health, MedlinePlus: Pharyngitis – sore throat

Copyright © American Academy of Family Physicians

This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.

Sore Throat | Antibiotic Use

Español: Dolor de garganta

Is it painful to swallow?  Or is your throat scratchy? A virus may be causing your sore throat.

Most sore throats, except for strep throat, do not need antibiotics.

Causes

Causes of sore throat include:

• Viruses, like those that cause colds or flu
• The bacteria group A strep, which causes strep throat (also called streptococcal pharyngitis)
• Allergies
• Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke

Of these, infections from viruses are the most common cause of sore throats.

Strep throat is an infection in the throat and tonsils caused by bacteria. These bacteria are called group A Streptococcus (also called Streptococcus pyogenes).

Symptoms of Sore Throat

A sore throat can make it painful to swallow. A sore throat can also feel dry and scratchy. Sore throat can be a symptom of strep throat, the common cold, allergies, or other upper respiratory tract illness. Sore throat caused by a virus or the bacteria called group A Streptococcus can have similar symptoms.

Sometimes the following symptoms suggest a virus is causing the illness instead of Strep throat:

• Cough
• Runny nose
• Hoarseness (changes in your voice that makes it sound breathy, raspy, or strained)
• Conjunctivitis (also called pink eye)

Symptoms of Strep Throat

The most common symptoms of strep throat include:

• Sore throat that can start very quickly
• Pain when swallowing
• Fever
• Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
• Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth
• Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck

Sometimes someone with strep throat also has a rash known as scarlet fever (also called scarlatina).

When to Seek Medical Care

Talk to your doctor if you or your child have symptoms of sore throat. They may need to test you or your child for strep throat.

Also see a doctor if you or your child have any of the following:

• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Blood in saliva or phlegm
• Excessive drooling (in young children)
• Dehydration

• Joint swelling and pain
• Rash

This list is not all-inclusive. Please see your doctor for any symptom that is severe or concerning.

See a doctor if symptoms do not improve within a few days or get worse. Tell your doctor if you or your child have recurrent sore throats.

Treatment

A doctor will determine what type of illness you have by asking about symptoms and doing a physical examination. Sometimes they will also swab your throat.

• Causes
• Symptoms of Sore Throat
• Symptoms of Strep Throat
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Treatment
• How to Feel Better
• Over-the-Counter Medicine and Children
• Prevention

A virus causes the most common type of sore throat and is not strep throat.

• Only 3 in 10 children with a sore throat have strep throat.
• Only about 1 in 10 adults with a sore throat has strep throat.

A healthy throat and a sore throat, including uvula and tongue, showing inflamed tonsils.

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More about
scarlet fever
strep throat

baby icon Talk to a healthcare professional right away if your child is under 3 months old with a fever of 100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher.

Virus or Bacteria What’s got you sick?image icon

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rheumatic fever

Since bacteria cause strep throat, antibiotics are needed to treat the infection and prevent rheumatic fever and other complications. A doctor cannot tell if someone has strep throat just by looking in the throat. If your doctor thinks you might have strep throat, they can test you to determine if it is causing your illness.

Anyone with strep throat should stay home from work, school, or daycare until they no longer have fever AND have taken antibiotics for at least 12 hours.

If a virus causes a sore throat, antibiotics will not help. Most sore throats will get better on their own within one week. Your doctor may prescribe other medicine or give you tips to help you feel better.

More about
antibiotic-resistant infections
C. diff

When antibiotics aren’t needed, they won’t help you, and their side effects could still cause harm. Side effects can range from mild reactions, like a rash, to more serious health problems. These problems can include severe allergic reactions, antibiotic-resistant infections and C. diff infection. C. diff causes diarrhea that can lead to severe colon damage and death.

How to Feel Better

Some ways you can feel better when you have a sore throat:

• Suck on ice chips, popsicles, or lozenges (do not give lozenges to children younger than 2 years).
• Use a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer.
• Gargle with salt water.
• Drink warm beverages and plenty of fluids.
• Use honey to relieve cough for adults and children at least 1 year of age or older.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist about over-the-counter medicines that can help you feel better. Always use over-the-counter medicines as directed.

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Over-the-Counter Medicine and Children

Carefully read and follow instructions on over-the-counter medicine product labels before giving medicines to children. Some over-the-counter medicines are not recommended for children of certain ages.

• Pain relievers:
  • Children younger than 6 months: only give acetaminophen.
  • Children 6 months or older: it is OK to give acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
  • Never give aspirin to children because it can cause Reye’s syndrome. Reye’s syndrome is a very serious, but rare illness that can harm the liver and brain.

• Cough and cold medicines:
  • Children younger than 4 years old: do not use over-the-counter cough and cold medicines in young children unless a doctor specifically tells you to. Cough and cold medicines can result in serious and sometimes life-threatening side effects in young children.
  • Children 4 years or older: discuss with your child’s doctor if over-the-counter cough and cold medicines are safe to give to your child.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the right dosage of over-the-counter medicines for your child’s age and size. Also, tell your child’s doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines they are taking.

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Prevention

You can help prevent sore throats by doing your best to stay healthy and keep others healthy, including:

• Clean your hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who have sore throats, colds, or other upper respiratory infections.
• Don’t smoke and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.

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Sore throat: causes

The throat in the human body is located at the level of the neck, on the front of the spinal column. Many systems and organs pass through the throat – swallowing, cervical muscles, carotid arteries, nerves, larynx, esophagus and trachea. Their activity is vital for the functioning of the body.

A person will immediately feel any problems with the throat.

Most common symptoms:

• perspiration;
• burning;
• difficulty swallowing;
• dry mouth.

Usually discomfort occurs when swallowing.

Such symptoms are characteristic of angina, pharyngitis (including acute), inflammation of the tonsils and swallowing.

The most common cause of a sore throat is strep throat, which is caused by an acute respiratory infection. Quite often, angina also occurs: with it, the degree of pain in the throat is so high that the sick person is not able to swallow or eat. The disease continues for several days – on its own or in the course of treatment established by a specialist.

There are other diseases, the symptoms of which include sore throat:

• cancer of the oral cavity, larynx;
• swine flu;
• acute or chronic tonsillitis;
• scarlet fever;
• viral disease;
• mononucleosis;
• Shengren’s syndrome;
• diphtheria;
• bacterial disease.

Sore throat can also occur during chemotherapy.

Consider the most common causes in more detail.

1. Laryngeal cancer is a malignant tumor of the larynx, formed from the epithelium. The main cause of the disease is chronic laryngitis for many years.
2. Oral cancer is a dangerous disease commonly found in smokers. Pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, cigars and cigarettes, regardless of their quality and brand, can lead to this disease. But people without addiction to smoking are at risk of developing oral cancer.
3. Swine flu is a disease of animals and humans. The causative agent of the disease is influenza viruses.
4. Tonsillitis – inflammation of the tonsils. Acute tonsillitis occurs unexpectedly, a person suddenly feels sick. His tonsils (tonsils) become inflamed. Chronic tonsillitis is characterized by inflammation of the tonsils, the presence of pustules on them, which can either appear or disappear. In addition to a sore throat, a person may suffer from a slight fever. There are no other symptoms of tonsillitis.
5. Scarlet fever is an infectious disease transmitted by talking, coughing, sneezing and through household items. You can catch this infection by touching toys, utensils and other objects on the surface of which the virus is located. Symptoms of scarlet fever, in addition to a sore throat, include a rash, a red tongue (redness appears on days 2-4 of the disease), peeling in the ears, on the neck and torso. Angina may occur.
6. Acute pharyngitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx, lymphoid tissue. It occurs due to alcohol dependence, smoking, inhalation of poor-quality air (dirty, cold).

A sore throat can also be caused by dry air, tear gas, smoke.

If you have a sore throat, you should immediately seek specialist advice. An ENT doctor will make a diagnosis and prescribe an accurate, effective treatment. It is necessary to contact an otolaryngologist and an infectious disease specialist.

Traditional methods of treatment include rinsing with the addition of soda, salt, iodine, citric acid. But first of all, it is necessary to use the methods of official medicine.

Severe pain in the throat when swallowing

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Pain when swallowing is more often provoked by inflammatory processes occurring in the pharynx, larynx or tonsils. Difficulty swallowing is always associated with sore throat. If there is a sharp pain when swallowing, or you feel constant pain in the throat area, then this is an occasion to take care of your health.

Pain when swallowing may also be accompanied by other unpleasant symptoms – burning sensation, difficulty swallowing. There may be other symptoms of damage to the respiratory system – coughing, sneezing, swollen cervical lymph nodes, as well as general symptoms of inflammation – chills, fever. Sometimes there is pain in the chest and a sensation of a foreign object in the throat. The causes of pressing pain in the throat, difficulty in swallowing, and sometimes breathing, may be an allergic reaction with a primary lesion of the pharyngeal mucosa (Quincke’s edema).

In general, sore throat is a common symptom of diseases caused by a variety of local and general causes (infection, allergies, trauma, anatomy, psychosomatics).

If there is a sore throat without a runny nose, then most likely the patient has tonsillitis or pharyngitis. For acute tonsillitis (another name for the disease is tonsillitis), an increase in temperature is more characteristic than discharge from the nose.

If you feel pain on the right side of your neck or on the left side, this is called localized pain. If the whole throat hurts, the pain is called diffuse. What does it mean? A sore throat on the left or a sore throat on the right indicates inflammation of the tonsils, lymph nodes, or lymphatic tissue. Unilateral inflammation of the tonsils is a very common occurrence in angina.

The main thing to remember is when you should not postpone going to the doctor. If pressure pain when swallowing is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• palpitations or dizziness
• swelling of the tongue and lips
• difficulty breathing
• weight loss

Pregnant women should also see a doctor immediately if they feel pain throat.

If the pain in the throat is of a long-term nature, then a trip to the doctor becomes extremely necessary, because the prolonged nature of the pain may indicate chronic diseases of the pharynx, larynx (pharyngitis, laryngitis), which in turn provoke the development of formidable complications.

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Treatment of sore throat when swallowing depends on the diagnosis made by specialists. In inflammatory diseases of the pharynx, larynx or tonsils, accompanied by a cutting pain in the throat, complex treatment is necessary. In case of an acute allergic reaction, anti-allergic agents are used. In some cases, treatment of the stomach or esophagus is required. And if the sore throat is due to chronic fatigue syndrome, treatment by a neurologist is required. Systemic pain medications are usually not prescribed. Only in case of severe pain during a tumor or after surgery.