What should you know about an extremely painful sore throat?

Severe throat pain can occur with tonsillitis, a common cold, influenza, COVID-19, strep throat or glandular fever. Allergic rhinitis can cause drainage and irritation, while acid reflux may inflame the throat without a typical cold. Fever, swollen glands, cough, runny nose, white patches and tiredness can help a clinician narrow the possibilities, but appearance alone cannot reliably identify the cause. A sore throat is a symptom, not proof of a particular infection.

Sip cool or warm fluids and choose soft foods if swallowing hurts. Rest your voice, avoid smoking and other irritants, and use suitable pain relief only as directed on the label or by a pharmacist. Do not share utensils or drinks while an infection is possible, and wash your hands regularly. Arrange a GP consultation if pain is severe, keeps worsening, returns repeatedly, or makes eating and drinking difficult. Antibiotics help selected bacterial infections, not viral illnesses, so assessment matters before using them.

Seek emergency help if you are struggling to breathe, cannot swallow saliva, are drooling, have rapidly increasing swelling, develop a muffled voice, or cannot open your mouth normally. Get prompt medical advice for dehydration, a persistent high fever, severe one-sided pain, a rash, or marked drowsiness. Children who refuse fluids or show breathing difficulty need urgent assessment.

Ask whether your symptoms suggest a viral illness, strep throat or another cause, whether testing is needed, which pain medicines are suitable, and what changes should prompt urgent review. Mention exposure to illness, immune problems and any difficulty swallowing.