Sore throat – why it happens and what can ease it 

A sore throat is common and can feel irritating and painful – find the cause of yours plus the best ways to soothe it.

What are the common symptoms of a sore throat?

How to manage a sore throat with self-care

What causes a sore throat?

Who’s most likely to be affected by a sore throat?

When to see a doctor

How is a sore throat diagnosed?

Treatments from a doctor

How to stop a sore throat

From a dry mouth and swollen glands to pain when you speak, a sore throat can make you feel pretty miserable. Learn about the most common causes and how to ease your symptoms.


Have you got a burning, raspy scratchiness in the back of your throat? Does it get worse when you swallow or talk? These are symptoms of a sore throat, also known as pharyngitis.  

It develops when some or all areas such as the back of your throat, your tonsils, the roof of your mouth, and the back of your tongue become swollen and inflamed. 

A sore throat is usually caused by viral infections like the [common cold](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/common-cold) or the [flu](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/flu), but other things, like allergies may also trigger it. 

While it can be a nuisance and make it hard to do everyday tasks like work, a sore throat usually gets better within a week. 


## What are the common symptoms of a sore throat?

Symptoms tend to go away after a week. They typically include: 

- a dry and scratchy throat
- pain when talking
- pain when swallowing.

Depending on the cause of your sore throat, for example a viral infection, other signs can include: 

- a cough
- redness at the back of your mouth
- swollen glands in your neck
- a headache
- pain in your ears or down your neck
- tiredness (fatigue)
- a runny or stuffy nose
- a fever
- body aches
- white patches or pus on your tonsils – this could be a sign of viral [tonsillitis](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/tonsillitis).

If your symptoms are severe you may need urgent or emergency care. 


Get help with this

## How to manage a sore throat with self-care

Your symptoms will usually go away on their own, but you can help soothe a sore throat with these tips: 

- drink plenty of fluids to keep your throat moist and prevent dehydration (avoid caffeine or alcohol)
- avoiding smoking or breathing in second-hand smoke
- gargling with warm, salty water (avoid for children)
- trying a humidifier in your home
- eating foods that are cool or soft
- having warm liquids like honey (not for babies under 1) and lemon with hot water 
- resting your voice.

Taking acetaminophen (paracetamol) or ibuprofen may help ease your symptoms. 

Throat lozenges that contain an anesthetic, antiseptic or anti-inflammatory might also help ease your throat, as well as an anesthetic spray. Ask your pharmacist for help on which treatment would suit your symptoms best.


## What causes a sore throat?

Sore throats are very common and usually triggered by a viral infection like the common cold or the flu. But there are other reasons they develop, including:

- __bacterial infections__ – including [strep throat](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/streptococcal-infections) and sinus infections
- __allergies__ – such as [pollen](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/hay-fever), dust mites and pet allergies
- __dry indoor air or breathing through your mouth,__ perhaps due to a blocked nose
- __acid reflux__ – [gastroesophageal](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease) reflux disease can cause a burning sensation in your throat. This is due to acid from the stomach coming back into your throat
- __tonsillitis__ – when the tonsils at the back of your throat become infected by a virus or bacteria, causing white patches or pus on your tonsils
- __laryngitis__ – swollen or irritated voice box or vocal cords due to coughing over a long period of time or allergies 
- __irritants from smoke to chemicals__ – eating spicy food can also trigger symptoms
- __[glandular fever](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/glandular-fever)__ – a viral infection that causes swollen glands, fatigue, and a sore throat.


## Who’s most likely to be affected by a sore throat?

Anyone can get a sore throat, but certain things might make you more susceptible, such as if: 

- __you’re exposed to chemicals__ – such as lung irritants like fossil fuels 
- __you smoke or are around people who do __
- __you have allergies__ – such as to pollen, dust, or mold 
- __you have weakened immunity__ – from conditions like HIV and [diabetes](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/diabetes), or from cancer treatment like chemotherapy.


## When to see a doctor

If your sore throat has not gotten better after a week of self-care, or you get sore throats often, book an appointment to see a doctor. 

Get urgent medical help if you have a sore throat and you: 

- are worried about it
- have a high fever, or you feel hot and shivery
- have a weakened immune system
- have swelling in your neck or face
- joint pain
- a rash
- you have blood in your saliva or phlegm.

You need emergency medical help if you:

- are finding it hard to breathe and swallow
- are drooling
- notice a high-pitched sound when you breathe (known as a stridor)
- have severe symptoms that are getting worse quickly.


## How is a sore throat diagnosed?

At your appointment, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and may examine your throat, including your glands, plus look at your nasal passages, and ears.

If no cause is found you may also be tested for strep throat. 


## Treatments from a doctor

This depends on the cause. If your symptoms have been triggered by a bacterial infection like strep throat or bacterial tonsillitis, you may be given a dose of antibiotics – these won’t work for viral infections.

If allergies are the cause, antihistamines could be recommended to help ease symptoms. 

Antacids are the usual treatment for acid reflux issues. 


## How to stop a sore throat

Stay healthy and avoid spreading germs to limit the risk of getting a sore throat:

- keep your hands clean by washing regularly or using hand sanitizer if you can’t get to soap and water
- avoid close contact with people who have sore throats or colds
- don’t smoke and avoid being around others who do. 


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References

Amelia Glean

Jo Wheatley

Dr Maria Reza

Article information

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