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 makes up part of the throat's immune defenses)

Sore Throat Due to Inflammation Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

Many things can cause a sore throat, 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    TOP

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

• Age: children and teens, and people aged 65 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    TOP

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

Diagnosis    TOP

Your doctor will do a physical exam. This involves 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    TOP

Treatment depends on the cause of the sore throat. Options include:

Prevention    TOP

Here are ways to reduce your chance of getting 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, see your doctor. Avoid the substance that causes your allergy.