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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...
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- Sore Throat Directory
- Cold, Flu, or Sinus Infection. A sore throat that causes painful swallowing often signals that you’re getting one of these common illnesses. It can start a day before other symptoms like a runny nose and cough.
- Strep Throat. Often just called strep, this bacterial infection can be very painful. Other telltale signs of strep are not having the usual symptoms of a cold and not having a cough.
- Mono. This infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus is easy to get -- and to spread. In addition to pain when swallowing, you might also have these symptoms: fever, headache, swollen tonsils and lymph nodes, muscle aches, and fatigue.
- Herpes Simplex Virus. Type 1 of this virus can cause sores inside your mouth (as well as along the lips) and pain when swallowing. The sores go away in a few days, but call your doctor if this is your first outbreak or if you have HIV.
Sep 9, 2024 · When the mucous membranes in your throat become swollen or inflamed, a sore throat (sometimes known as pharyngitis) can develop, making it painful when swallowing. The most common cause of a sore throat is a virus, but sore throats can also result from: Bacteria, like Group A strep. Environmental allergens. Reflux. Smoking.
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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:
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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.
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Pharyngitis is inflammation of the throat, causing pain, soreness, and difficulty swallowing, often due to viral or bacterial infections.
Aug 22, 2024 · Overview. In addition to the soreness, pharyngitis may also cause changes you can see, like redness, swelling and white patches in your throat. What is a sore throat? A sore throat, or “pharyngitis,” is a scratchy, painful feeling in the back of your throat (pharynx). It happens when the tissue lining your throat (mucosa) becomes inflamed.
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Apr 12, 2023 · The most common cause of sore throat is infection with bacteria or a virus. What Is It? A sore throat, also called a throat infection or pharyngitis, is a painful inflammation of the back part of the throat (pharynx).
