Definition | Causes | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Prevention

Definition

A sore throat is the general name for two common conditions:

  • Pharyngitis—swelling and inflammation of the pharynx (the back of the throat, including the back of the tongue)
  • Tonsillopharyngitis—swelling and inflammation of the pharynx and the tonsils (soft tissue that make up part of the throat's immune defenses)

Sore Throat Due to Inflammation

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Causes

Many things can cause pharyngitis and tonsillopharyngitis, such as:

  • Infection with a virus, such as the viruses that cause influenza (the flu) and the common cold
  • Infection with bacteria, such as the bacteria that cause strep throat
  • Infectious mononucleosis
  • Mucus from your sinuses that drains into your throat
  • Smoking
  • Breathing polluted air
  • Drinking alcoholic beverages
  • Hay fever or other allergies
  • Acid reflux from the stomach
  • Food debris collecting in small pockets in the tonsils

Risk Factors

Sore throats are more common in certain people although anyone can get a sore throat. Risk factors that may increase your change of getting a sore throat include:

  • Age: children and teens, and people aged 65 years or older
  • Exposure to someone with a sore throat or any other infection involving the throat, nose, or ears
  • Exposure to cigarette smoke, toxic fumes, industrial smoke, and other air pollutants
  • Having hay fever or other allergies
  • Having other conditions that affect your immune system, such as AIDS or cancer

Symptoms

Along with the sore throat, you may have other symptoms, such as:

  • Pain or difficulty when swallowing
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Fever
  • Enlarged lymph nodes in your neck
  • Hoarse voice
  • Red or irritated looking throat
  • Swollen tonsils
  • White patches on or near your tonsils
  • Runny nose or stuffy nose
  • Cough

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
  • Have developed other symptoms, such as:
    • White patches on tonsils (may be a sign of strep throat)
    • Enlarged lymph nodes on your neck
    • Dizziness or lightheadedness
    • Earache
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Fever
    • Rash
    • 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 continues through the day (no matter what other symptoms are present).

If you think you have an emergency, get medical care right away.

Diagnosis

The doctor will perform a physical exam, looking closely at your mouth, throat, nose, ears, and the lymph nodes in your neck.

  • 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
    • Examining your ears
  • 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
  • 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 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 include:

Medications

  • Antibiotics for strep throat
  • Drugs to reduce sore throat pain; these drugs include:
    • Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
    • Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
    • Note: Aspirin is not recommended for children or teens with a current or recent viral infection. This is because of the risk of Reye's syndrome. Ask your doctor which other medicines are safe for your child.
  • Numbing throat spray for pain control
  • Decongestants and antihistamines to relieve nasal congestion and runny nose
  • Throat lozenges
  • Corticosteroids (used in combination with antibiotics for severe cases)

Home Care

  • Get plenty of rest.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Gargle with warm salt water several times a day.
  • Drink warm liquids (tea or broth) or cool liquids.
  • Avoid irritants that might affect your throat, such as smoke from cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, and cold air.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol.

Prevention

Here are ways to reduce your chance of getting a sore throat:

  • Wash your hands frequently, 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 his 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, see your doctor. Avoid the substance that causes your allergy.