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- DictionarySore throat
noun
- 1. a condition marked by pain in the throat, typically caused by inflammation due to a cold or other virus: "she whispers through her role as if she's got a sore throat"
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noun
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A sore throat is pain, scratchiness or irritation of the throat that often worsens when you swallow. The most common cause of a sore throat (pharyngitis) is a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. A sore throat caused by a virus resolves on its own.
Strep throat (streptococcal infection), a less common type of sore throat caused by bacteria, requires treatment with antibiotics to prevent complications. Other less common causes of sore throat might require more complex treatment....
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Symptoms of a sore throat can vary depending on the cause. Signs and symptoms might include: Pain or a scratchy sensation in the throat Pain that worsens with swallowing or talking Difficulty swallowing Sore, swollen glands in your neck or jaw Swollen, red tonsils White patches or pus on your tonsils A hoarse or muffled voice Infections causing a sore throat might result in other signs and symptoms, including: Fever Cough Runny nose ...
Viruses that cause the common cold and the flu also cause most sore throats. Less often, bacterial infections cause sore throats. Viral infections Viral illnesses that cause a sore throat include:
Rarely, an infected area of tissue (abscess) in the throat or swelling of the small cartilage "lid" that covers the windpipe (epiglottitis) can cause a sore throat. Both can block the airway, creating a medical emergency.
A sore throat caused by a viral infection usually lasts five to seven days and doesn't usually require medical treatment. Antibiotics don't help treat a viral infection.
To ease pain and fever, many people turn to acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or other mild pain relievers.
Consider giving your child over-the-counter pain medications designed for infants or children, such as acetaminophen (Children's Tylenol, FeverAll, others) or ibuprofen (Children's Advil, Children's Motrin, others), to ease symptoms....
The best way to prevent sore throats is to avoid the germs that cause them and practice good hygiene. Follow these tips and teach your child to do the same:
For informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
© Mayo Clinic