Sore Throat

Brought to you by Medinformer

Brought to you by

A sore throat is a symptom of inflammation of the pharynx (pharyngitis) or tonsils (tonsillitis), or both and anyone can get a sore throat.

SORE THROAT

Back to top
Stop infection before a slight itch becomes a painful problem

Sore throat: A symptom of infection 1

Back to top

Oral and throat infection is a common term used to define many different infections of the mouth and throat. A sore throat is a symptom of inflammation of the pharynx (pharyngitis) or tonsils (tonsillitis), or both (Pharyngotonsillitis). These infections spread through close contact with others. Pharyngotonsillitis can include irritation, itching, and pain that can make it difficult to swallow.

Anatomy

Back to top

What causes oral and throat infections? 2,3

Back to top

Did you know that there are two causes of a sore throat?

Back to top
  • 85% of sore throats in adults and children are caused by viruses (commonly called colds and flu)
  • Less than 15% are caused by bacteria

Viruses commonly known to cause sore throats

Back to top

Sore throat risk factors 3

Back to top
Anyone can get a sore throat but these factors can increase your risk:

  • Age (children and teens 5 – 15 years old are most likely to get a sore throat)
  • Exposure to someone with an oral and throat infection
  • Time of year (winter and early spring)
  • Weather (cold air may irritate your throat)
  • Irregularly shaped tonsils or large tonsils
  • Pollution or exposure to smoke
  • A weak immune system (prescription medication may weaken the immune system)
  • Post-nasal drip or allergies
  • Acid reflux disease

Sometimes there may be an overlap in clinical manifestations (how the symptoms present themselves). This means that differentiating between viral and bacterial infections can be challenging.

How to treat a sore throat?

Back to top
The usual duration of a sore throat is 5-7 days. As most sore throats are viral they do not require an antibiotic prescription.3 In fact, oral or systemic antibiotics in common colds and sore throat are associated with marginal or no benefit to patients. 7,8
Kill the cause of the infection
Soothe the symptoms to reduce inflammation

1. Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis. John Hopkins Medicine Health Library. Available at: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/respiratory_disorders/pharyngitis_and_tonsillitis_85,P01320/. Accessed on 13 December 2016. 2. Worrall, G.J. Acute sore throat. Canadian Family Physician. 2011;57:791–794. 3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/getsmart/community/for-patients/common-illnesses/sore-throat.html. Accessed in May 2016. 4. Hadassah Medical Center, Hadassah Children Site. Pharyngitis. Available at http://www.hadassah-med.com/children-site/parents/diseases,-infections-and-immunization/infections/pharyngitis. Accessed on 12 December 2016. 5. Aung, K. Viral Pharyngitis. Available at: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/225362-overview#a0104. Accessed on: 12 December 2016. 6. Harold, K.S., et al. Pediatric Pharyngitis. Available at http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/967384-overview#a0156. Accessed on 12 December 2016. 7. Arrol B, et al. Antibiotics for the common cold and acute purulent rhinitis. Cochrane Database Systemic Review 2002;(3):CD000247. 8. Linder, J.A. Antibiotics for Treatment of Acute Respiratory Tract Infections: Decreasing Benefit, Increasing Risk, and the Irrelevance of Antimicrobial Resistance. Clin Infect Dis. 2008;47(6):744-746. 9. Kawana R, et al. Inactivation of human viruses by povidone-iodine in comparison with other antiseptics. Dermatology 1997; 195 (Suppl 2): 29-35. 10. Shiraishi T, et al. Evaluation of the bactericidal activity of povidone-iodine and commercially available gargle preparations. Dermatology 2002; 204 (Suppl 1): 37-41. 11. Betadine® Mouthwash & Gargle approved package insert. 12. Porter S.R, et al. Review article: oral ulcers and its relevance to systemic disorders. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2005;21(4):295–306. 13. Rodriquez-Caballero, et al. Cancer treatment-induced oral mucositis: a critical review. Int. J. Oral Maxillofac. Surg. 2012;41:225-238. ZA/78/BMG/122016/SA

For more health information

Click on the body area you want to know more about. Select a related health topic from the menu

Select a body area
Head
Chest
Abdomen
Pelvis
Legs
Feet
Mental Health
Skin
General
Infant Health
Close Menu
HIV 11 – HIV and Opportunistic infections
HIV 11 – HIV and Opportunistic infections
Doctors were first alerted to the existence of AIDS when patients clinically presented with opportunistic ....
Acne (Pimples)
Acne (Pimples)
WHAT IS ACNE? Acne is a common skin condition that causes pimples on the face, neck, shoulders, chest and back.1a It can be emotionally stressful ....

Related Brochures

Cold or Flu
Cold or Flu

IS IT A COLD OR IS IT FLU? The common cold and flu are both respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Influenza (flu) is caused by influenza viruses which circulate in all parts of the world. Colds and flu share many similar symptoms, so it can be difficult to tell the difference…

Paediatric Pain and Fever
Paediatric Pain and Fever

WHAT IS PAIN? Pain is an unpleasant sensation signalling an injury to some part of the body.1 Pain may be sharp or dull, intermittent or constant, or throbbing or steady. Sometimes pain is very difficult to describe. The intensity of pain can vary from mild to intolerable.1 Pain in children is often under-treated.2