Ad
related to: how does a fever start with sore throatStuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, and coughs, we can get your symptoms alleviated, fast. Is it allergies, a cold, the flu, or COVID-19? Doctors to help you get answers, today.
Search results
Jun 6, 2024 · There are many ways to tell the difference. A sore throat is often the first sign of a cold. However, a sore throat from a cold often gets better after a few days. Strep throat is another cause...
- On this page
- Symptoms
- When to see a doctor
- From Mayo Clinic to your inbox
- Causes
- Risk factors
- Prevention
- Products & Services
- Advertisement
•Overview
•Symptoms
•When to see a doctor
•Causes
•Risk factors
•Prevention
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
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 and symptoms such as:
•Difficulty breathing
•Difficulty swallowing
•Unusual drooling, which might indicate an inability to swallow
If you're an adult, see your doctor if you have a sore throat and any of the following associated problems, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery:
Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview.
To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail.
Viral infections
Viral illnesses that cause a sore throat include:
Bacterial infections
Many bacterial infections can cause a sore throat. The most common is Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus) which causes strep throat.
Other causes
Other causes of a sore throat include:
Although anyone can get a sore throat, some factors make you more susceptible, including:
•Age. Children and teens are most likely to develop sore throats. Children ages 3 to 15 are also more likely to have strep throat, the most common bacterial infection associated with a sore throat.
•Exposure to tobacco smoke. Smoking and secondhand smoke can irritate the throat. The use of tobacco products also increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, throat and voice box.
•Allergies. Seasonal allergies or ongoing allergic reactions to dust, molds or pet dander make developing a sore throat more likely.
•Exposure to chemical irritants. Particles in the air from burning fossil fuels and common household chemicals can cause throat irritation.
•Chronic or frequent sinus infections. Drainage from your nose can irritate your throat or spread infection.
The best way to prevent sore throats is to avoid the germs that cause them and practice good hygiene. Follow these tips and teach your child to do the same:
•Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the toilet, before and after eating, and after sneezing or coughing.
•Avoid touching your face. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
•Avoid sharing food, drinking glasses or utensils.
•Cough or sneeze into a tissue and throw it away, and then wash your hands. When necessary, sneeze into your elbow.
•Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers as an alternative to washing hands when soap and water aren't available.
•A Book: Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies
•Sleep Apnea Products from Mayo Clinic Store
Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.Advertising & Sponsorship
Sep 18, 2024 · Day 3 is often described as the worst stage of the flu. This is the day when many symptoms are at their most intense. Inflammation of the nasal passages and pharynx can cause severe congestion and sore throat. Persistent high fever can make it difficult to even lift your head.
Aug 22, 2024 · Policy. Many things cause pharyngitis, from viral and bacterial infections to allergies and sleeping with your mouth open. Most sore throat symptoms go away with home care within a few days.
Apr 17, 2024 · Key points. Is it painful to swallow? Or is your throat scratchy? A virus may be causing your sore throat. Most sore throats are caused by viruses. Most sore throats, except for strep throat, do not need antibiotics. Overview. Viruses, like those that cause colds or flu, are the most common cause of sore throat. These viruses are not strep throat.
May 24, 2023 · Most often, common cold symptoms start 1 to 3 days after someone is exposed to a cold virus. Symptoms vary. They can include: Runny or stuffy nose. Sore or scratchy throat. Cough. Sneezing. Generally feeling unwell. Slight body aches or a mild headache. Low-grade fever. The mucus from your nose may start out clear and become thicker and yellow ...
People also ask
Can a virus cause a sore throat?
What does a sore throat feel like?
Can a cold cause a sore throat?
Can a sore throat be a symptom of strep throat?
What causes a sore throat (pharyngitis)?
Nov 30, 2022 · Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can make your throat feel sore and scratchy. Strep throat accounts for only a small portion of sore throats. If untreated, strep throat can cause complications, such as kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever.
