What should you know about severe sore throat?

Viruses such as those causing a common cold, influenza or COVID-19 commonly inflame the throat. Tonsillitis can cause swollen tonsils, while glandular fever may bring marked tiredness and swollen glands. Strep throat is a bacterial cause that may produce sudden pain, fever and painful swallowing, but symptoms overlap with other illnesses. Allergic rhinitis can cause throat irritation from mucus dripping backward, and acid reflux may irritate the throat without an infection.

Sip cool or warm fluids, choose soft foods and avoid smoke. Gargling with warm salty water may soothe some adults who can gargle safely. Rest your voice and use pain relief only as directed on the label; ask a pharmacist if you have a long-term condition, are pregnant or take regular medicines. Do not use leftover antibiotics, because the cause needs to be assessed and antibiotics do not treat viral illness.

Seek urgent help if you cannot swallow saliva, are drooling, have noisy or difficult breathing, a muffled voice, severe one-sided swelling, or trouble opening your mouth. Prompt medical advice is also needed for dehydration, a spreading rash, severe weakness, neck swelling or symptoms that are worsening rather than easing. A clinician may examine the throat and decide whether a test or targeted treatment is needed.

Ask which causes fit your symptoms, whether a throat test is appropriate, and what pain relief is safe. Mention cough, fever, swollen glands, reflux symptoms, rash, exposure to illness and difficulty swallowing.