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

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.

• 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
• 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 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:

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.