What causes sore throat?

Viruses can inflame the throat and may also cause a runny nose, cough, fever, body aches, or tiredness. Allergic rhinitis can lead to post-nasal drainage and repeated throat clearing. Acid reflux may bring stomach contents upwards, causing burning, hoarseness, or irritation that is worse after meals or when lying down. Laryngitis affects the voice box and often causes hoarseness. Glandular fever can cause pronounced tiredness and swollen glands. Diphtheria is uncommon but can produce a severe sore throat and a coating in the throat, so a clinician should assess concerning symptoms.

Drink fluids, choose soft foods, rest your voice, and avoid smoke or other throat irritants. Warm drinks or cool foods may feel soothing. Treat a blocked or allergic nose with advice from a pharmacist or clinician. Do not start antibiotics without an assessment, because many sore throats are viral and antibiotics do not treat viruses. Consider testing or staying home from close contact when infection is possible.

Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing or swallowing, drooling, severe dehydration, rapidly increasing neck swelling, confusion, or a muffled voice. Arrange medical review for a severe or persistent sore throat, a high fever, a rash, swollen neck glands, marked fatigue, or symptoms after close contact with a serious infection. A clinician can examine the throat and decide whether testing or treatment is needed.

Ask whether the pattern suggests infection, reflux, allergy, or voice-box irritation, and whether a throat test is needed. Mention fever, cough, hoarseness, reflux symptoms, exposure to illness, vaccination history, and any trouble swallowing.