Sore Throat

Throat problems

• Pharyngitis is inflammation of the pharynx, which is in the back of the throat, between the tonsils and the larynx (voice box)

Sore throat causes

• Many germs can cause pharyngitis
• Viruses are the most common cause of pharyngitis
• Many different viruses can cause pharyngitis
• Bacteria that can cause pharyngitis include Group A streptococcus, which leads to strep throat in some cases
• Other, less-common bacteria that cause sore throats include:
  • Corynebacterium
  • Arcanobacterium
  • Neisseria gonorrhoeae
  • Chlamydia pneumonia
• The illness often spreads among family members
• Most cases of pharyngitis occur during the colder months

Sore throat symptoms

• The main symptom is a sore throat
• Other symptoms may include:
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Joint pain and muscle aches
  • Skin rashes
  • Swollen lymph glands in the neck

Strep throat

• Your doctor will perform a physical exam and look at your throat
• A rapid test or throat culture to rule out strep throat may be done
• Additional laboratory tests may be done depending on the suspected cause

Sore throat remedies

• Most sore throats are soon over – in the meantime, the following remedies may help:
  • Drink warm liquids – honey or lemon tea is a time-tested remedy
  • Gargle several times a day with warm salt water (1/2 tsp of salt in 1 cup water)
  • Drink cold liquids or suck on popsicles
  • Suck on hard candies or throat lozenges to soothe your sore throat
  • This is often as effective as more expensive remedies
  • DO NOT use candies or lozenges in young children because of the choking risk
  • Use a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier to moisten and soothe a dry and painful throat
  • Try over-the-counter pain medications, such as Panadol
  • DO NOT give aspirin to children

Prognosis

• Most cases of pharyngitis go away on their own without complications

Complications

• Complications of pharyngitis may include:
  • Blockage of the airway (in severe cases)
  • Tonsillitis or abscess around the tonsils or behind the pharynx

Call your doctor if:

• You develop a sore throat that does not go away after several days
• You have a high fever, swollen lymph nodes in your neck, or a rash
• Seek immediate medical care if you have a sore throat and trouble breathing