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Oct 14, 2024 · Viruses are the most common cause of a sore throat. Bacterial sore throat, or strep throat, is more common in children. But adults can get it, too. Especially if you’re a parent or you work in close contact with kids. Some symptoms and treatments for viral pharyngitis and strep throat are the same.
Viral infection: Viruses cause about 90% of sore throats. Common cold and influenza are the most common viral infections that may cause a sore throat. Bacterial infection: A Streptococcus bacterium is the most common cause of a sore throat due to a bacterial infection.
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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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Apr 17, 2024 · Sore throat: The most common symptom of a viral throat infection is a sore throat. A sore throat caused by a viral throat infection usually develops gradually and will typically last for two to seven days. A sudden onset sore throat suggests a different cause such as a bacterial throat infection.
Jun 6, 2024 · Strep throat can make your throat and tonsils red, sore, swollen, and filled with white patches or pus, making your throat feel sore. Viruses that make the nose and throat inflamed cause colds.
Aug 22, 2024 · 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. But you should contact a healthcare provider if your sore throat lasts longer than a week, gets worse or you develop symptoms like a fever or swollen lymph nodes.
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Apr 17, 2024 · Signs and symptoms. Painful to swallow. Dry and scratchy throat. Sore throat caused by a virus or the bacteria called group A Streptococcus can have similar symptoms. Sometimes the following symptoms suggest a virus is causing the illness instead of strep throat: Cough. Runny nose.
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