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Nov 19, 2022 · Only your health care provider can tell for sure. But you can look for a few signs on your own. Take a Good Look. 2 /20. Grab a flashlight, look in the mirror, and say, "Ahhh." You could find...
Jan 29, 2023 · Runny nose. Red or watery eyes. Sneezing. Cough. So, what’s the difference between a sore throat and strep throat? For starters, having a cough is a major symptom that sets a sore throat apart from strep. “You do not have a cough with strep. If you’re coughing, that typically means no strep,” says Dr. Allan.
Jun 10, 2021 · Swollen, red tonsils. White patches or pus on your tonsils. A hoarse or muffled voice. Throat anatomy. The throat includes the esophagus; windpipe, also known as the trachea; voice box, also known as the larynx; tonsils; and epiglottis. Infections causing a sore throat might result in other signs and symptoms, including: Fever. Cough.
- Overview
- Symptoms and Causes
- Diagnosis and Tests
- Management and Treatment
- Prevention
- Outlook / Prognosis
- Living With
A sore throat is a scratchy or burning feeling in the back of your throat. It may hurt to swallow or talk. Most sore throats happen because of a viral infection, like the common cold or flu. Sore throat symptoms typically go away in a few days.
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OverviewSymptoms and CausesDiagnosis and TestsManagement and TreatmentPreventionOutlook / PrognosisLiving With
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What are sore throat symptoms?
Apart from throat pain, sore throat symptoms may include: Fever. Headache. Upset stomach. Swollen lymph nodes. Nasal congestion (stuffy nose). Runny nose. Cough. Fatigue. Hoarseness.
What causes sore throats?
Most sore throats happen because you have a viral infection, like the common cold or flu. Sore throats may be a symptom of the following conditions or issues: Bacterial infection: Strep throat and bacterial sinus infections are examples of bacterial infections that may cause sore throats. Allergies: Allergic reactions to pollen, dust mites, pets or mold can make your throat dry and scratchy. Sore throat from allergies results from postnasal drip (when mucus from your nose drips down the back of your throat). The mucus irritates your throat and causes pain. Tonsillitis: Tonsils are the two small lumps of soft tissue at the back of your throat. They trap the germs that make you sick. Tonsillitis occurs when your tonsils become infected and inflamed. Bacteria and viruses can cause tonsillitis. Acid reflux: People with a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) feel burning and pain in their throat. This pain, called heartburn, happens when acid from your stomach backs up into your esophagus. Your esophagus is the tube that carries food from your throat to your stomach. Overuse or irritants: You can strain your throat by yelling or screaming. You may also develop a sore throat if you eat spicy food, smoke or drink very hot liquids. Mouth breathing: You may have a sore throat if you breathe through your mouth instead of your nose when you’re sleeping. Advertisement
How do healthcare providers diagnose sore throat?
Healthcare providers diagnose sore throats by examining your throat, tongue and possibly your ears. They may do a strep test to rule out strep throat.
How do healthcare providers treat sore throat?
Treatment depends on what caused your sore throat. For example, if your throat is sore because you have a cold, a healthcare provider may recommend over-the-counter medication to ease your cold symptoms and for your sore throat. If you have strep throat, a healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection. Other treatments for specific causes may include: Over-the-counter antihistamine medication: Postnasal drip from allergies may cause sore throats. Antihistamines may dry postnasal drip. Over-the-counter antacids: Antacids may help with acid reflux that causes heartburn and sore throats. Other steps, like avoiding big meals right before bedtime, may help.
How do I prevent developing a sore throat?
Viral infections like colds and flu often cause sore throats. You can reduce your sore throat by protecting yourself against colds and flu. Some ways to do that include: Washing your hands often, using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Avoiding people who are sneezing and coughing. If you do spend time with people who are sneezing and coughing, avoiding sharing food, drink or utensils. Being vaccinated against the flu.
What can I expect if I have a sore throat?
Most of the time, a sore throat isn’t a serious medical issue. Most sore throats go away within a few days. You should contact a healthcare provider if your sore throat lasts longer than a few days or if you have a sore throat and the following issues: Severe throat pain. Trouble breathing or swallowing. A fever, especially if it’s over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). A visible bulge in the back of your throat. Blood in your saliva or phlegm. Extreme tiredness. Rash anywhere on your body.
How do I take care of myself?
Most sore throats happen because you have a viral or bacterial infection. Taking care of the infection will help your sore throat. You can ease sore throat symptoms by: Drinking a lot of fluid. Getting as much rest as possible. Using humidifiers or vaporizers. Avoiding irritants like second-hand smoke. Resting your voice. A note from Cleveland Clinic Maybe your sore throat started with a tickle in the back of your throat. Now that tickle is a pain — literally — and it hurts a lot when you swallow or talk. Most sore throats happen because you have a viral infection that will run its course in a week or so. But you may need antibiotics if your sore throat stems from a bacterial infection. Fortunately, there are many home remedies to ease sore throat pain. There are instances, however, when a sore throat may be a symptom of serious medical issue. If you have a sore throat that lasts for more than two weeks, talk to a healthcare provider. Medically Reviewed Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 11/08/2022. Learn more about our editorial process.
Jul 20, 2022 · A sore throat is a painful, dry, or scratchy feeling in the throat. Pain in the throat is one of the most common symptoms, which accounts for more than 2% of all adult primary...
- Is having a sore throat before a cold normal?A sore throat is often one of the first symptoms of a cold. Other symptoms may include sneezing, congestion, runny nose, coughing, and watery eyes.
- How many days should a sore throat persist?In most cases, a sore throat should improve within 7 days. If it doesn't improve or if you experience any other severe symptoms, you should consult...
- What are the worst foods for a sore throat?Foods that are difficult to swallow can worsen a sore throat, including dry foods or raw vegetables. Spicy foods and acidic fruits, such as lemons...
- Why does my sore throat switch sides?Many conditions can cause a sore throat on one side, including tonsillitis, laryngitis, canker sores, and tooth infections. Other conditions, like...
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What does a sore throat feel like?
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What does strep throat look like?
Mar 15, 2024 · 6 min read. Wonder if your painful sore throat is from a cold, strep throat, or tonsillitis? Here's help with how to tell. What's the Difference Between a Cold, Strep Throat, and...
Nov 29, 2023 · Causes. Symptoms. When to see a doctor. Treatment. Home remedies. Prevention. Outlook. A sore throat can make it painful to eat, talk, or swallow. Tips for soothing a sore or scratchy...
