(Pharyngitis; Tonsillopharyngitis; Throat Infection)
Definition
Definition
A sore throat is the general name for 2 common conditions:
- Pharyngitis—swelling and inflammation of the pharynx (the back of the throat, including the back of the tongue)
- Tonsillopharyngitis—swelling and inflammation of the pharynx and the tonsils (soft tissue that makes up part of the throat’s immune defenses)
Sore Throat Due to InflammationCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
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Causes
Causes
Many things can cause a sore throat, such as:
- Infection with a virus, such as the viruses that cause the flu, herpangina, and the common cold
- Infection with bacteria, such as those that cause strep throat
- Infectious mononucleosis
- Mucus from your sinuses that drains into your throat
- Smoking
- Breathing polluted air
- Drinking alcoholic beverages
- Hay fever or other allergies
- Acid reflux from the stomach
- Food debris collecting in small pockets in the tonsils
- Certain immune or inflammatory disorders
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Sore throats are more common children, teens, or people aged 65 years and older. Other factors that may increase your chance of a sore throat include:
Symptoms
Symptoms
Along with the sore throat, you may have other symptoms, such as:
- Pain or difficulty when swallowing
- Runny nose or stuffy nose
- Fever
- Enlarged lymph nodes in your neck
- Hoarse voice
- Red or irritated-looking throat
- Swollen tonsils
- White patches on or near your tonsils
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
When Should I Call My Doctor?
Call your doctor if you:
- Experience a worsening of your sore throat or the symptom lasts longer than you or your doctor expect
- Have difficulty swallowing or breathing
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Have developed other symptoms, such as:
- White patches on tonsils (may be a sign of strep throat)
- Enlarged lymph nodes on your neck
- Rash
- Fever
- Earache
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle or joint aches
- Fatigue
- Blood in saliva
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests calling your child’s doctor if your child has a sore throat that goes on for more than 1 day (no matter what other symptoms are present).
If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Your doctor will do a physical exam. This involves looking closely at your mouth, throat, nose, ears, and the lymph nodes in your neck.
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This physical exam may include:
- Using a small instrument to look inside the nose, ears, and mouth
- Gently touching the lymph nodes (glands) in your neck to check for swelling
- Taking your temperature
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The doctor will ask questions about:
- Your family and medical history
- Recent exposure to someone with strep throat or any other infection of the throat, nose, or ears
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Other tests include:
- Rapid strep test or throat culture—using a cotton swab to touch the back of the throat to check for strep throat
- Blood tests—to identify some conditions that may be causing the sore throat
- Mono spot test—if mononucleosis is suspected
Treatment
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause of the sore throat. Options may include:
Medications
- Pain relievers or fever reducers
- Note: Aspirin is not recommended for children with a current or recent viral infection. Check with your doctor before giving your child aspirin.
- Antibiotics for a sore throat caused by a bacterial infection
- Throat lozenges
- Decongestants and antihistamines to relieve nasal congestion and runny nose
- Numbing throat spray for pain control in older children and adults, although the relief is very short-lived
- Corticosteroids if there is trouble breathing
Home Care
Self-care steps you can do at home:
- Get plenty of rest
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Try warm liquids (tea or broth), or cool liquids
- Gargle with warm saline several times a day
- Avoid irritants that might affect your throat, such as tobacco smoke and cold air
- Avoid drinking alcohol
Prevention
Prevention
To help reduce your chance of a sore throat:
- Wash your hands frequently. Do this especially after blowing your nose or after caring for a child with a sore throat.
- If someone in your home has a sore throat, keep their eating utensils and drinking glasses separate from those of other family members. Wash these objects in hot, soapy water.
- If a toddler with a sore throat has been sucking on toys, wash the toys in soap and water.
- Immediately get rid of used tissues, and then wash your hands.
- If you have hay fever or another respiratory allergy, see your doctor. Avoid the substance that causes your allergy.
RESOURCES:
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases http://www.niaid.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
References:
Choby BA. Diagnosis and treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis. Am Fam Physician. 2009;79(5):383-390.
Pharyngitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated April 25, 2014. Accessed September 29, 2014.
Sore throat. American Academy of Family Physicians Family Doctor website. Available at:
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/sore-throat.html
Updated May 2014. Accessed September 29, 2014.
Sore throat. Patient UK website. Available at:
http://www.patient.co.uk/health/sore-throat-leaflet
Accessed November 20, 2013. Accessed September 29, 2014
The difference between a sore throat, strep and tonsillitis. American Academy of Pediatrics Healthy Children website. Available at:
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/ear-nose-throat/Pages/The-Difference-Between-a-Sore-Throat-Strep-and-Tonsillitis.aspx
Updated May 28, 2014. Accessed September 29, 2014.
Throat problems. American Academy of Family Physicians Family Doctor website. Available at:
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/health-tools/search-by-symptom/throat-problems.html
Accessed September 29, 2014.
Vincent MT, Celestin N, Hussain AN. Pharyngitis. Am Fam Physician. 2004;69(6):1465-1470.
11/10/2009 DynaMed’s Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed:
Hayward G, Thompson M, Heneghan C, Perera R, Del Mar C, Glasziou P. Corticosteroids for pain relief in sore throat: Systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ. 2009;339.
Last Updated: 9/30/2014