Sore Throat
Early diagnosis and treatment are important for any sore throat that lasts longer than two weeks, as it may be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition. Consulting a doctor can ensure proper diagnosis and management.
What Is a Sore Throat?
A sore throat is a condition characterised by pain or discomfort in the throat. It can feel scratchy, irritated, or painful, and often worsens when swallowing or talking.
Not all cases of sore throat are contagious. A sore throat caused by viral infections may be contagious. Conversely, those resulting from allergies and other environmental factors are not. The persistent irritation caused by a sore throat can disrupt daily activities.
Possible Accompanying Symptoms of Sore Throat
A sore throat may sometimes be accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
- Difficulty swallowing
- A hoarse or muffled voice
- Swollen red tonsils
- Headache
- Coughing, sneezing, and a stuffy nose
- Swollen lymph nodes (glands) in the neck or jaw area
- Fever
- Joint pain and muscle aches
- Fatigue
What Are Possible Causes of Sore Throat?
Most cases of sore throat are caused by viral or bacterial infections.
- Viral Infections – These are the most common cause of sore throats, and they typically resolve on their own within a week. The viruses that cause the common cold, flu, and COVID-19 are all frequent causes of sore throats.
- Bacterial Infections – Strep throat is the most common bacterial infection that causes a sore throat. It results from streptococcus pyogenes and requires treatment with antibiotics to prevent complications.
Less common causes of sore throats include:
- Irritants – Smoke, dry air, and certain medications can irritate the tissues in the throat, leading to a sore throat.
- Allergies – Allergies to pollen, dust mites, or pet dander can cause post nasal drip, which can irritate the throat.
- Muscle Strain – Overuse of your vocal cords can strain the muscles in your throat, leading to a sore throat.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) – When stomach acid backs up into the oesophagus, it can irritate the throat and cause a sore throat.
When to See a Doctor for Sore Throat
Most sore throats resolve on their own within a week. However, in some cases, professional medical attention might be needed. A general practitioner (GP) may prescribe antibiotics or other medications to treat the underlying cause of your sore throat.
However, it is best to consult an ENT specialist if you experience:
- Severe sore throat that lasts for more than a week
- Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or opening the mouth
- Changes in hearing or balance, such as ringing in the ears, dizziness, or hearing loss
- Lump in the neck
- Symptoms interfering with your ability to sleep, work, or eat
- A fever of 38.3°C or above
- Frequently recurring sore throats
- Blood in the saliva or phlegm
- Earache
How Is Sore Throat Diagnosed?
Diagnosing the cause and severity of a sore throat may involve:
- Review of Symptoms – The ENT specialist will ask some questions about the patient’s sore throat including duration, severity, and any accompanying symptoms.
- Physical Examination – Using a penlight, they will examine the back of the patient’s throat to check for redness, swelling, and white spots. They might also feel the sides of the patient’s neck to see if they have swollen glands.
- Swab Test – They may swab the back of the patient's throat to collect a sample to test for strep throat bacteria. This throat culture can also help assess for other bacterial infections, such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea.
What Are the Treatment Options for Sore Throat?
The recommended treatment for sore throat depends on its cause. Typically, sore throats caused by viral infections do not require medications. However, patients can take paracetamol, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen to manage fever and pain.
Sore throats caused by bacterial infections require antibiotics. It is important to note that antibiotics should be taken as advised by a doctor. Antihistamines and antacids can also help manage sore throat caused by allergens and GERD.
Aside from these medications, several ways can help soothe discomfort, such as:
- Rest – Getting enough rest and sleep allows the body to focus on healing.
- Drinking Warm Liquid – Drinking plenty of fluids, especially warm liquids like tea with honey, keeps the throat moist and soothes scratchy throats.
- Gargling with Warm Salt Water – Mixing salt with warm water and gargling it several times a day can help ease soreness and irritation.
- Applying Ice – Ice chips, popsicles, or drinking ice cold water can help numb the throat, which can relieve throat pain.
Can a Sore Throat Be Prevented?
Sore throats cannot always be prevented but several preventive measures can help reduce the chances of getting one:
- Washing hands well and often
- Covering the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing
- Avoiding close contact with sick people who have sore throats, colds, or other upper respiratory infections
- Strengthening the immune system
- Use separate utensils, food, and drinks
- Quitting smoking
- Avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke
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