Blog

Sore throat (pharyngitis)

A scratchy, burning or painful feeling in the throat.

Causes

  • Viral infection: the common cold, flu, adenovirus, mononucleosis.
  • Bacterial infection: strep throat, tonsillitis.
  • Fungal pharyngitis: occurs with immunosuppression, or long-term use of steroids or antibiotics.
  • Allergy: hay fever, allergic rhinitis. Dry indoor air and chronic mouth breathing in winter can cause a sore throat in the morning.
  • Muscle strain: overusing the voice can cause throat pain similar to pharyngitis.
  • GERD: acid reflux irritating the throat leads to a chronic sore throat.

Symptoms

  • A sore, dry, scratchy throat. Pain while swallowing or speaking.
  • Fever, headache, fatigue, malaise, muscle aches.
  • Swollen lymph nodes, nasal congestion, cough, runny nose.
  • Hoarseness, red tonsils, white patches, spots or streaks in the throat.
  • Stomach upset, and blood in the spit or phlegm in severe cases.

Diagnosis

  • A physical examination of the throat, tongue, ears and neck.
  • A rapid strep test or throat culture, to check for Streptococcus bacteria.

Treatment

  • Viral pharyngitis: goes away on its own. Salt-water gargles, pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen, extra fluids, rest.
  • Bacterial pharyngitis: if strep is confirmed, antibiotics like azithromycin, 500 mg once daily for three to five days (for adults), depending on the severity.
  • Fungal pharyngitis: antifungal medicines.
  • Others: treat the underlying cause — antihistamines for allergies, antacids or PPIs for GERD, voice rest for strain.

Important: untreated strep throat can lead to kidney problems, rheumatic fever and heart-valve damage. Prompt antibiotics matter when strep is confirmed.

When to see a doctor

  • Symptoms last more than a week.
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, or pus or white patches at the back of the throat.
  • Blood in the spit or phlegm.
  • A fever of 38.3 °C or higher.
  • Severe neck stiffness, difficulty breathing or swallowing, drooling.

Quick self-care for mild cases

  1. A warm salt-water gargle: half a teaspoon of salt in a glass (240 ml) of warm water.
  2. Honey in warm tea, to coat the throat.
  3. Stay hydrated, and use a humidifier.
  4. Lozenges or a throat spray for temporary relief.

All articles