Deep sore throat: what to know

A viral illness such as a common cold, influenza or COVID-19 may cause throat pain with cough, blocked nose, fever or body aches. Tonsillitis or strep throat can cause marked pain when swallowing, swollen tonsils and fever; bacterial infection cannot be diagnosed from pain alone. Allergic rhinitis can cause drainage and throat irritation, while acid reflux may cause burning, hoarseness or a bitter taste, often worse after meals or when lying down. Glandular fever can cause prolonged sore throat with swollen glands and pronounced tiredness.

Rest, drink regularly and choose cool or warm fluids according to comfort. Soft foods, salt-water gargles for appropriate adults, and simple pain relief used exactly as directed may help. Avoid smoking and other throat irritants. Do not share antibiotics or use leftover medicine; a clinician may need to examine your throat and decide whether testing is useful.

Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing, inability to swallow saliva, drooling, a muffled voice, rapidly increasing neck or throat swelling, severe one-sided pain, inability to open the mouth, confusion or dehydration. Arrange medical review for a severe or persistent sore throat, recurrent episodes, a high fever, rash, swollen neck glands or symptoms that are getting worse rather than better.

Ask whether your examination suggests tonsillitis, strep throat, reflux, allergy or another cause, and whether a throat test is needed. Tell the clinician about fever, cough, exposure to illness, reflux symptoms, medicines and any difficulty drinking.