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OVERVIEW

What is a sore throat?

Sore throat means that your throat hurts, is irritated or scratchy. It may be worse when you swallow. There are many causes of sore throats.

SYMPTOMS

What are the symptoms of a sore throat?

A sore throat means that your throat hurts and is irritated, swollen, or scratchy. It usually hurts worse when you swallow.

Depending on the cause of your sore throat, you may have other symptoms in addition to sore throat, such as the following:

• Fever
• Headache
• White patches in your throat or on your tonsils
• Red and swollen tonsils
• Abdominal pain (usually in children)
• Vomiting (usually in children)

CAUSES & RISK FACTORS

What causes sore throats?

Many things can cause sore throat. Viruses (such as those that cause colds, the flu, and mononucleosis) can lead to a sore throat. Bacteria (such as those that cause strep throat) can also cause a sore throat, as can smoking, mouth breathing at night while you sleep, breathing polluted air and allergies to pet dander, pollens and molds.

What is tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is when the tonsils (at the back of your mouth on each side of your throat) become infected by bacteria or a virus. It causes the tonsils to swell and can cause a sore throat and other symptoms. Signs of strep throat and tonsillitis are often alike.

What is strep throat?

Strep throat is caused by a type of bacteria called streptococcus. The pain of strep throat often feels much like sore throats caused by other bacteria or by viruses. What’s important and different about strep throat is that if it isn’t treated it can sometimes result in kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can lead to a rash, inflamed joints and in severe cases, damage to the valves of the heart.

What is mononucleosis?

Mononucleosis (mono) is a viral infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. One of the main signs of mono is a sore throat that may last for 1 to 4 weeks. Other symptoms include large swollen glands in your neck and armpits, fever, headache and feeling tired.

DIAGNOSIS & TESTS

What tests may be used to find the cause of my sore throat?

Your healthcare provider may do a rapid strep test, a throat culture or both. A rapid strep test will give results fast (usually within about 15 minutes). But the test won’t tell if your sore throat is caused by a bacterium other than Streptococcus or if it’s caused by a virus. A throat culture takes longer (between 24 and 48 hours) but it’s more accurate. If your healthcare provider thinks you may have mono, they will probably do a blood test.

TREATMENT

What is the treatment for a sore throat caused by bacteria?

If your sore throat is caused by bacteria, your family healthcare provider will probably prescribe an antibiotic. You will most likely begin to feel better in a few days, but it is very important to take all the antibiotics your healthcare provider prescribes. This reduces the risk that your sore throat will return and also helps prevent antibiotic resistance.

What is the treatment for a sore throat caused by a virus?

Antibiotics don’t work against viruses. Infections caused by viruses usually just have to run their course. Most symptoms caused by a cold- or flu-type virus go away in a week to 10 days.

Symptoms caused by mono can last for 4 weeks or more. If you have mono, your healthcare provider will probably suggest that you get plenty of rest and that you not exercise too hard.

What about a sore throat that’s caused by allergies?

If a sore throat is a symptom of hay fever or another allergy, your healthcare provider can help you figure out how to avoid the things that trigger your allergies. You may also need to take medicine for your allergies.

Easing the pain of a sore throat

• Take acetaminophen (one brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (one brand name: Motrin), or naproxen (one brand name: Aleve) to relieve pain. Children should not take aspirin. Aspirin can cause a serious illness called Reye’s syndrome when it is given to children younger than 18 years of age.
• Gargle with warm salt water (1 teaspoon [4.9 ml/cc] of salt per 1 cup [8 ounces] of water).
• Suck on throat lozenges or hard candy.
• Suck on flavored frozen desserts (such as Popsicles).
• Use a humidifier in your bedroom or other rooms you spend lots of time in.
• Drink lots of liquids. They help keep your throat lubricated and prevent dehydration.

If I have tonsillitis, will I need a tonsillectomy?

Tonsillectomy is a surgery that removes the tonsils. Most people who have tonsillitis don’t need a tonsillectomy. You might need a tonsillectomy if you get severe tonsillitis often or if your tonsils are too large and cause problems with your breathing. Your healthcare provider can tell you if a tonsillectomy is needed.

PREVENTION

How can I avoid catching or passing a sore throat?

The best ways to avoid catching or passing the viruses and bacteria that can lead to a sore throat are to wash your hands regularly, avoid touching your eyes or mouth and cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER

• When should I go to the healthcare provider with a sore throat?
• What is causing my sore throat?
• Is there anything I can do to make myself more comfortable?
• I have a fever and a sore throat. Could I have strep throat?
• Are cold mist humidifiers better for me than warm mist humidifiers?
• How long will it take before I know what is causing my sore throat?
• Should I go to work if I have a sore throat?