Viral infections like the flu and the common cold typically cause sore throats. In this case, the sore throat resolves in conjunction with the cold and does not need any antibiotic treatment. While this is going on, it is advised to use home remedies like honey or salt water ointments and take time off to rest. Patients should visit the hospital for any difficulties in swallowing/breathing, persistent high fevers, and symptoms that have lasted over a week.
That scratchy pain at the back of the throat is usually one of the most common health issues there is. Most people take the home remedy route by drinking some tea until it is resolved. Usually, this is the correct answer.
Not all sore throats are harmless and mild. Some are just fine and some need medical attention. Knowing this difference allows you to avoid unnecessary doctor visits and, more importantly, not miss the red flags that are vital.
It is important to let this guide help you differentiate between daily causes of sore throats, how to identify and differentiate sore throat symptoms, and some treatment options. The guide also aims to help identify red flags that warrant a doctor visit.
What are the signs of a sore throat?
Also called pharyngitis, a sore throat can have several symptoms. The Mayo Clinic lists the following symptoms:
- Pain or scratchiness of the throat
- Pain that is worsened by swallowing or talking
- Difficulty swallowing
- Swollen painful glands in the neck or jaw
Additionally, you may experience hoarseness, fever, or swollen tonsils that are red, and at times white.
When is a sore throat a bigger problem?
A sore throat that is only mild and occurs with a cough and runny nose is most likely a cold. However, a sore throat that is sudden, severe, and occurs with high fever is likely strep throat. The combination of symptoms and their severity is the best indicator in this case.
What are the causes of sore throats?
A sore throat can be caused by many things. While some causes are minor and self-limiting, some can be of greater concern and require specific treatment.
Infections (viral primarily)
The Mayo Clinic states that a large percent of sore throats are due to viral infections including:
The common cold, which is also associated with a cough, runny nose, and sneezing.
- Influenza, which is associated with a cough, runny nose, and a runny nose.
- Mononucleosis, or “mono,” which presents with fatigue and swollen glands that may last for weeks.
- These viral sore throats are not treated with antibiotics. They must resolve on their own.
Bacterial Infections
They are the least frequent cause of a sore throat, but they are still clinically significant.
Bacteria are usually associated with strep throat, the most notable example. According to the CDC, only 1 in 10 adults and 3 in 10 sore throated children have strep throat. It is frequent enough that in those under 65, it is the cause of 5.2 million outpatient visits annually.
Strep throat usually has a quick onset and is typically accompanied by a fever, painful swallowing, and white patches on red and/or swollen tonsils, along with swelling of the lymph nodes. It is unusual that strep throat causes a cough or runny nose, like a cold. It can be diagnosed in a physician’s office with an in-office throat swab.
Environmental Factors and Irritants
Not all sore throats are caused by infection; many are caused by irritants such as:
- Allergies: Usually caused by post-nasal drip.
- Dry Air: Often leaves your throat dry and scratchy.
- Smoke and Chemicals: Usually cigarette smoke, pollution, and cleaning products.
- GERD: Inflammation of the throat due to stomach acid.
Other Causes
Sore throats of less frequent occurrence are usually due to a strained throat from yelling or singing. The unusual case of a tumor is also a cause of throat soreness from prolonged symptoms.
How can you treat a sore throat at home?
Throat soreness is usually self-limited. During the self-resolving period the following may help alleviate the soreness.
Home remedies and self-care
- Gargling warm salt water may help soothe a sore throat and loosen mucus.
- Honey coats the throat and may suppress coughs, but never give honey to a child under 1 year old.
- Lozenges and candy help keep your throat moist.
- Throat teas may ease the pain of swallowing and will help keep you and your throat hydrated.
- Sleep is the best medicine.
- A humidifier will help keep the air moist.
Over-the-counter medications
Pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help ease the pain of a sore throat and may help reduce a fever. Throat sprays and lozenges help give a temporary numbness and relief as long as you follow the recommended dose.
Prescription medications
When a throat infection is bacterial, like strep, a common treatment is a course of antibiotics. Be sure to finish the prescribed course of antibiotics even if you feel better to help reduce antibiotic resistance. In some cases, doctors may prescribe antivirals, like for the flu.
When should you consult a physician for a sore throat?
Most sore throats do not need a physician’s consultation. However, some symptoms are cause for concern. According to the CDC, you should seek medical care when you experience:
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Saliva or phlegm that has blood in it
- Excessive drooling, especially in small children
According to the Mayo Clinic, you should also go to the doctor if your throat is sore for greater than a week or if your sore throat is accompanied by a fever of 103°F (39.4°C) or greater.
Who should be more careful?
Small children, the elderly, and those whose immune systems are not strong do need to pay more attention to a sore throat and the symptoms that accompany it. For these groups what may seem to be a mild sore throat may not be, and it is best to seek medical care and advice.
How do you avoid getting a sore throat?
It is not possible to avoid all sore throats, but the following habits will help you avoid the risk of getting a sore throat:
- Wash your hands frequently. Having clean hands reduces the spread of germs.
- Avoid things that irritate the throat. An example of things that irritate the throat are cigarettes.
- Stay hydrated. Keeping your throat hydrated is a good defense.
- Get the flu vaccine when it is available.
The flu is a common cause of sore throats.
The flu vaccine reduces the risk of getting the flu. We’ve all dealt with it before; an annoying sore throat from a common cold that we know will go away in a week or after some rest, but, the details matter. An all of a sudden severe sore throat with high fevers is more concerning than a mild sore throat with a runny nose.
Listen to your body and look out for the signs. If your sore throat is still severe after some home treatments and is accompanied by any concerning symptoms consult a doctor. Mad attention to detail brings you comfort and peace.
Frequently asked questions
For how long can a sore throat be expected to last?
Mayo Clinic states it is expected that a sore throat that is cold related will go away in 5 to 7 days. After a week of symptoms a doctor’s visit is warranted.
Under what circumstances is it appropriate to take antibiotics for a sore throat?
Most sore throats are related to a virus and will not need antibiotics. Only a confirmed strep throat, which is a bacterial infection, will require antibiotics.
What is the distinction between a cold and strep throat?
A strep throat which involves quick onset of fever, pain when swallowing and swollen tonsils will not involve a cough or runny nose which are still symptoms of a common cold. Strep will need a throat swab to be confirmed.
How do you get rid of sore throat quickly at home?
Sore throats can be treated quickly in several ways at home. You can try gargling warm salt water, drinking warm liquids, sucking lozenges, or taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen. These methods can help relieve the pain quickly.
Is a sore throat an infection?
A sore throat is not an infection. However, the multiple illnesses that present with a sore throat are infections that are easily spread. Some of these symptoms include colds, flu, and even strep throat. These are all easily spread illnesses, and the best way to prevent them is to wash your hands often and cover your mouth while you cough.
