What should you know about sinus and sore throat?

A blocked or runny nose can cause mucus to drain down the throat, leading to irritation and soreness. A Common Cold, Influenza, or COVID-19 may add cough, fever, body aches, or tiredness. Allergic Rhinitis often causes sneezing, itching, and clear nasal discharge without feeling acutely ill. Acid Reflux can irritate the throat, especially after meals or when lying down. Tonsillitis, Strep Throat, or Glandular Fever may cause marked throat pain and difficulty swallowing; symptoms alone cannot distinguish them reliably.

Rest, drink regularly, and use warm fluids or salt-water gargles if comfortable. Saline nasal rinsing may help clear mucus when performed with properly prepared water and clean equipment. Avoid smoke and other irritants. Follow local advice about staying home and testing if a viral infection is possible. A clinician can decide whether an examination or throat swab is needed; antibiotics do not treat viral causes.

Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, inability to swallow saliva, drooling, severe dehydration, a muffled voice, rapidly increasing neck or facial swelling, or confusion. Arrange prompt assessment for severe one-sided throat pain, persistent high fever, a rash, worsening symptoms after initial improvement, or symptoms that do not settle. People with reduced immunity or significant chronic illness should seek advice earlier.

Ask whether your symptoms fit a viral illness, allergy, reflux, tonsillitis, Strep Throat, or another cause; whether testing is needed; and which medicines are suitable for you. Mention fever, exposure to illness, swallowing difficulty, nasal discharge, reflux symptoms, and how long the problem has lasted.