Sore Throat

A sore throat is pain, scratchiness or irritation of the throat that often worsens when you swallow. The most common cause of a sore throat (pharyngitis) is a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu.

An Angina (streptococcal infection), a less common type of sore throat caused by bacteria, requires treatment with antibiotics to prevent complications.

Other less common causes of sore throat might require more complex treatment.

Symptoms:

• Symptoms of a sore throat can vary depending on the cause. Signs and symptoms might include:

• Pain or a scratchy sensation in the throat

• Pain that worsens with swallowing or talking

• Difficulty swallowing

• Sore, swollen glands in your neck or jaw

• Swollen, red tonsils

• White patches or pus on your tonsils

• Hoarse or muffled voice

Common infections causing a sore throat might result in other signs and symptoms, including:

• Fever

• Cough

• Runny nose

• Sneezing

• Body aches

• Headache

• Nausea or vomiting

When to see a doctor:

• Take your child to a doctor if your child’s sore throat doesn’t go away with the first drink in the morning, recommends the American Academy of Pediatrics.

• Get immediate care if your child has severe signs such as:

• • Difficulty breathing

• • Difficulty swallowing

• • Unusual drooling, which might indicate an inability to swallow

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

If you’re an adult, see your doctor if you have a sore throat and any of the following associated problems occur, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology:

• A sore throat that is severe or lasts longer than a week

• Difficulty swallowing

• Difficulty breathing

• Difficulty opening your mouth

• Joint pain

• Earache

• Rash

• Fever higher than 101 F (38.3 C)

• Blood in saliva or phlegm

• Frequently recurring sore throats

• A lump in your neck

• Hoarseness lasting more than two weeks

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Source: adapted from Mayo Clinic and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) / American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) patient guidance.

Revised by Dr. Diego González Agulla — Medical Director, Clinic Port Pollensa and Doctor Palma. Licensed physician, Balearic Medical Board (COMIB), Collegiate No. 073807071.