The illness usually spreads between people by breathing in air that contains these organisms or by touching a surface with germs on it.
AllergiesDrynessIrritantsStraining your throat musclesGastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)Tumors of the throat, tongue, or larynx (voice box)
Cold and flu seasonsHaving close contact with someone who has a sore throat or coldSmoking or exposure to secondhand smokeFrequent sinus infectionsAllergiesAttending day careAge (children and teens are more likely to develop sore throat or strep throat)Weakened immunity due to conditions such as HIV or diabetes, or treatment with chemotherapy drugs or chronic steroids, which can lower resistance to infections
When a Sore Throat Is Chronic
“A sore throat accompanied by a swollen neck gland should be seen by a physician soon,” says Toribio Flores, MD, an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for the Cleveland Clinic’s Head and Neck Institute at the Independence Family Health Center in Ohio.
Learn More About When a Sore Throat Is Considered Chronic Your doctor will most likely start by taking your medical history and then will give you a physical exam that may involve checking your temperature; looking at your throat, ears, and nose with a lighted instrument; checking your neck for swollen glands (lymph nodes); and listening to your breathing with a stethoscope. If the rapid in-clinic test comes back positive, then you almost certainly have a bacterial infection (i.e., strep throat). If the test comes back negative, then you likely have a viral infection. If your doctor suspects that your sore throat is related to an allergy, you may be referred to an allergist for additional tests. If you experience chronic or frequent sore throat, you may be referred to an otolaryngologist (ENT doctor).
Prognosis of Sore Throat
Medication Options
If your sore throat is associated with the flu, antiviral medicines may be effective. Antiviral medications can shorten the length of the illness and make symptoms milder. They can also reduce your risk of flu complications, which is why these drugs are often recommended for people who are at a high risk, such as children, older adults, and people with certain preexisting conditions. Antivirals for influenza need to be started within 48 hours of symptom onset for the greatest impact.
Strep throatChlamydiaGonorrhea
Amoxicillin is considered to be a broader-spectrum antibiotic, so it will kill more bacteria than penicillin.
Home Remedies for Sore Throat
Getting restAvoiding alcoholQuitting smokingDrinking warm liquids, such as lemon tea or tea with honeyGargling with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of water) throughout the dayDrinking cold liquids or sucking on fruit-flavored ice popsSucking on hard candies or throat lozenges (for adults only)Running a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier
Prevention of Sore Throat
Wash your hands well; when soap and water aren’t an option, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, ideally with at least 60 percent alcohol for maximal effect.Do not share food, drinks, or utensils.Cough or sneeze into a tissue, dispose of it, then wash your hands.Clean surfaces you touch frequently such as telephones, TV remotes, and computer keyboards with sanitizer. If you travel, wipe down the phone and remote in your hotel room.Maintain a physical distance from people you know are sick.Keep any child diagnosed with strep throat out of school or day care until they’ve been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours and symptoms have improved.
Trouble breathingPersistent pain or pressure in the chestConfusionInability to wake or stay awakeBluish lips or faceCoughing up blood or blood-tinged mucous
Since colds and the flu are caused by viruses, rather than bacteria, antibiotics are not an effective treatment option. There is no cure for a cold, though over-the-counter medications may ease symptoms. Learn More About Colds and the Flu
Strep Throat
Strep throat is a bacterial infection (caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as group A strep) that is common in school-age children, but it’s not the most common cause of a sore throat. Viral infections are much more common. Learn More About Strep Throat
Developed by the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, this site is a go-to when it comes to conditions involving the ear, nose, throat, and head and neck. ENT Health covers all the basics of sore throat, as well as related conditions, questions to ask your doctor, and how to find an ENT specialist. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention A trusted source, especially for info on infectious diseases, the CDC provides comprehensive, up-to-date coverage of the signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, causes, and prevention of sore throat. FamilyDoctor.org This site, from the American Academy of Family Physicians, offers a wealth of medical advice for adults and children, including a section on sore throat. While it’s no substitute for consulting with your healthcare provider, there’s a Symptom Checker that allows you to select a symptom, answer several yes or no questions, and receive a possible diagnosis. HealthyChildren.org The American Academy of Pediatrics runs this site, a children’s health source to find out how sore throat affects children, specifically, and when you should seek medical advice. Additional reporting by Deborah Shapiro.
