Sore Throat: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Sore Throat

A sore throat, also known as pharyngitis, causes discomfort and pain in the throat. It can be a sign of a common cold or more serious conditions. Find out more about this common condition.

Recommended Actions

To soothe a sore throat, prioritize rest and regular hydration. Use a humidifier to moisten the throat, gargle with warm salt water, and avoid irritants like cigarette smoke and alcohol.

Recommended Avoidances

Sore throat triggers to avoid include close contact with infected individuals, dry air and pollutants, smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke, as well as foods or drinks that can cause reflux.

Prevention Tips

To prevent the spread of illnesses causing a sore throat, maintain good hand hygiene, avoid sharing utensils or personal items, and steer clear of individuals who are unwell.

Condition 101

A sore throat, medically termed as pharyngitis, is a common condition characterised by discomfort, pain, or scratchiness in the throat. It's often the first sign of a common cold, but it can also be an early symptom of more serious conditions like strep throat or tonsillitis.

Pain or a scratchy sensation in the throat
Difficulty swallowing
Dry throat
Swollen glands in the neck or jaw
Hoarseness of voice or loss of it
Several factors can cause a sore throat:

Viral infections (common cold, flu, mono)
Bacterial infections (strep throat)
Allergies
Dry air or pollution
Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Exposure to someone with a sore throat or any other infection that causes sore throat.
Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke.
Allergies
Close quarters, such as a family living in a small home or military recruits living in barracks.
Seek medical advice if you or your child have:

Severe or persistent throat pain
Trouble swallowing or breathing
A high fever over 38.5°C
Bloody mucus or phlegm
A throat rash

Diagnosing a sore throat involves several steps:

Medical History: Discussing symptoms, health conditions, and recent contacts with ill individuals.
Physical Exam: Checking for signs of infection, such as a fever or swollen lymph nodes.
Throat Culture or Rapid Strep Test: Using a sterile swab to collect a sample from the throat or tonsils for testing.
Ear infection
Sinusitis
Tonsillitis
Rheumatic fever (if caused by untreated strep throat)
A common misconception is that antibiotics can treat all sore throats. In fact, antibiotics are effective only for bacterial infections, not viral ones.
Laryngitis
Tonsillitis
Pharyngeal abscess

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Treatment Options

Need more information about Sore Throat, contact us for more help on treatment or advise.

Painkillers: Paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Lozenges and sprays: To soothe the throat and numb the pain.
Antihistamines: For sore throats caused by allergies.

Doctors may prescribe antibiotics for bacterial infections. For severe or recurring cases, treatments might include:

Steroids: To reduce inflammation.
Surgical removal of tonsils (tonsillectomy).

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