Constant sore throat: what to know

A common cold, influenza, COVID-19, tonsillitis, or strep throat can inflame the throat, often with cough, fever, swollen glands, painful swallowing, or feeling unwell. Glandular fever may cause prolonged throat pain with pronounced tiredness and swollen glands. Allergic rhinitis can drain mucus down the back of the throat, causing repeated clearing or a scratchy feeling. Acid reflux may irritate the throat, especially after meals or when lying down, and may occur with hoarseness or a sour taste. Dry air, smoking, vaping, mouth breathing, and voice strain can also keep the tissue irritated. A sore throat symptom does not identify one cause by itself.

Drink fluids, choose soft foods if swallowing hurts, and avoid smoke, vaping, and strongly perfumed air. Warm drinks or a salt-water gargle may soothe some people; do not give unsuitable products to children. Rest your voice and use a humidifier safely if indoor air is dry. If reflux seems possible, note links with meals, late eating, or lying down and ask a clinician or pharmacist about suitable measures. Do not start leftover antibiotics: bacterial and viral causes require different decisions, and many sore throats settle without them.

Arrange a review if the pain persists, keeps returning, limits eating or drinking, or comes with hoarseness, neck swelling, or unexplained weight change. Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing, inability to swallow saliva, drooling, a muffled voice, severe one-sided throat pain, marked dehydration, or rapidly increasing swelling. A high fever with severe illness, stiff neck, or confusion also needs prompt assessment.

Ask whether the pattern fits infection, allergy, reflux, or irritation; whether a throat examination or swab is useful; which pain relief is safe; and what duration should trigger further review.