Sore Throat: Causes, Symptoms, and Remedies

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Sore throat In Adults: Causes, Symptoms, and Remedies

A sore throat is a common problem. The medical term for a sore throat is "pharyngitis." It usually resolves on its own without complications in adults, although it is important to know when to seek medical attention.

Instead of writing a lengthy article today, I thought it would be more helpful to address the most common questions that patients often ask healthcare professionals about sore throat.

Along with these FAQs, I'll share some of my own reflections and insights based on the latest scientific research. This way, you can get clear, straightforward answers to your concerns, backed by science.

What is a Sore Throat?

Sore throat, or pharyngitis, is inflammation of the throat that causes pain, scratchiness, or irritation. The discomfort can range from mild to severe and often worsens when swallowing. In most cases, sore throat is caused by an infection, either viral (most common) or bacterial (less common). Other possible causes include environmental irritants and other medical problems.

Are sore throats contagious?

Yes. Typically, all sore throats from viral and bacterial infections are communicable by direct contact with an infected person, through the sharing of morsels and plates, or by contact with airborne droplet nuclei (cough and sneeze droplets) expelled by an infected person.

Sore Throat vs. Strep Throat

Here are some key differences:

Sore Throat (Viral):

Gradual onset of pain
Mild to moderate pain
Often accompanied by cough, runny nose, hoarseness
Resolves within a week

Strep Throat (Bacterial):

Rapid onset of more severe pain
Pain may be worse when swallowing
Swollen, tender lymph nodes in neck
White patches or pus on tonsils
Fever
Absence of cough or nasal symptoms

If you suspect strep throat, contact your doctor for a rapid strep test or throat culture to confirm the diagnosis and get appropriate treatment.

Can a sore throat be caused by a fungal infection?

While fungal infection of the throat is possible, although rare, in immunocompromised people, it’s far less likely than viral and bacterial causes; oral thrush, for instance, can cause sore throat.

Can a sore throat cause bad breath?

While fungal infection of the throat is possible, although rare, in immunocompromised people, it’s far less likely than viral and bacterial causes; oral thrush, for instance, can cause sore throat.

What Makes Sore Throat Riskier?

While anyone can get a sore throat, some factors increase your risk:

Age: Children and teens are more susceptible to sore throats, especially strep throat.
Exposure: Close contact with someone who has a contagious infection.
Season of year: They are especially prevalent in fall and winter (the time of year when viruses that cause respiratory infections are rampant)
Smoking/secondhand smoke: Tobacco smoke irritates the throat.
Allergies: Environmental allergies can cause chronic or recurrent sore throats.

Is a sore throat during pregnancy a concern?

Pregnant women tend to be more prone to viral infections, and a sore throat with a cold or flu is common. Any sore throat lasting more than a day or two needs to be evaluated to rule out strep or other bacterial infection, especially because, if left untreated, bacterial infections can pose a risk to mum and baby. Pregnant women also tend to be more sensitive to medications in themselves and to the baby so that makes treating a minor problem sound like a major problem, but you can just reassure them that an infection you can see and treat that is not inside their body is usually less worrisome and we would want to rule out strep or other bacteria that can be dangerous for mum and baby if untreated.

How to Prevent a Sore Throat?

Although not all sore throats can be prevented, you can take a few easy steps to reduce your risk:

To prevent a sore throat, avoid close contact with people who have one.
In addition, don't share drinking glasses or eating utensils with anyone.

Can supplements help prevent sore throats?

No supplement can safeguard you against a sore throat, but a healthy diet can be supportive to your overall immune function.

How to Get Rid of a Sore Throat Using Medications?

Sore throat treatment depends on the cause, but a wide variety of over-the-counter drugs and remedies can relieve symptoms: 1. Paracetamol 2. Ibuprofen 3. Cough suppressants or expectorants 4. Antihistamines (if sore throat is due to allergies) 5. Use of topical sore throat medications, such as numbing sprays or lozenges containing anesthetics like benzocaine, menthol, or phenol to temporarily numb the throat and reduce pain.

Sore throat treatment depends on the cause, but a wide variety of over-the-counter drugs can help to relieve sore throat and associated symptoms: 1. Paracetamol 2. Ibuprofen 3. Cough suppressants or expectorants 4. Antihistamines (if sore throat is due to allergies) 5. Use of topical sore throat medications.

Antibiotics when needed for bacterial sore throat.

Sore Throat Remedies

In addition to medications, some natural remedies can soothe milder sore throats:

Gargling with warm salt water
Drinking warm liquids (tea, broth, lemon water)
Cold foods (popsicles, ice cream, smoothies)
Honey (alone or mixed in tea)
Rest and plenty of fluids.

Is it okay to use apple cider vinegar for a sore throat?

Gargling with diluted apple cider vinegar is helpful for some people, but the strong acidity may irritate your already sore throat. If you are seeking traditional remedies, stick with ones that have proven to be effective and clear it with your doctor first.

When to Seek Medical Care

Sore throats usually get better on their own within about a week if self-care is followed. Do see your doctor if you have:

Severe throat pain or difficulty swallowing
Sore throat lasting for a week.
Fever
Pus or white patches on the tonsils/throat
Swollen or tender lymph nodes in the neck
Rash
Hoarseness lasting for 2 weeks.
Recurring sore throats

FAQ

: Seek immediate care if you have trouble breathing or swallowing, are drooling excessively, or your voice becomes muffled. These could be signs of a severe swelling or abscess blocking the airway.
: Yes, a sore throat is often one of the first symptoms of a developing cold. It may appear a day or two before other cold symptoms like nasal congestion and cough.
: The duration depends on the cause. If you do not get relief from a sore throat after 2 days, you should consider visiting a health care professional. Viral sore throats usually resolve within 7 days. Bacterial strep throat may take up to 10 days without antibiotics. Chronic or recurring sore throats from allergies or reflux can last weeks to months.
: Avoid spicy, crunchy, or acidic foods that can irritate a sore throat. This includes chips, crackers, tomato sauce, orange juice, soda, coffee, and anything with hot peppers or vinegar.
: A sore throat involves symptoms like pain, irritation, scratchiness, difficulty swallowing that are not present with a normal throat. Visual signs of sore throat can include redness, swelling, pus, or white patches on the tonsils.
: Yes, sometimes allergies can trigger a sore throat as the main symptom, especially if your throat is exposed to irritants like pollen, pet dander or mold spores. Postnasal drip from allergies can also lead to a raw, irritated feeling in the throat.
: Soft, cool foods like ice cream, pudding, smoothies, and applesauce can provide relief by numbing pain and soothing irritation. Warm broth-based soups and herbal teas with honey are also comforting and help keep you hydrated.
: While most sore throats occur along with other upper respiratory symptoms, sometimes a sore throat can be the only symptom, especially early in a viral infection. Strep throat often causes an isolated sore throat without a runny nose or cough.
: Yes, some people can carry the bacteria that causes strep throat without having any symptoms themselves. These carriers can still spread the infection to others, which is why it's important to practice good hygiene habits like frequent handwashing.
: Over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken as soon as you start experiencing sore throat discomfort. Throat lozenges and sprays can be used every few hours as needed to soothe pain and irritation. Always follow package instructions for dosing.

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When is a sore throat an emergency?

Report for emergency care if you can’t breathe or swallow or if you’re drooling and if your voice becomes muffled. That could be a swelling or abscess obstructing your passageway.

How long is strep throat contagious?

Strep throat can remain contagious for several weeks after you first develop symptoms. In fact, infectiousness generally declines only after you start taking antibiotics – and even then, once treated with antibiotics, you should stop shedding bacteria after about 24 hours. That’s why it’s important to complete the full antibiotic course, even if you feel better in a day or two.

Acute Sore Throat

If you have a sore throat now and then this makes you a member of the majority, but, if this problem is a regular occurrence, it might be more than a minor annoyance. Things that can contribute to having a sore throat on a regular basis include:

Acid reflux (or gastro-esophageal reflux disease or GERD): Abnormally, stomach acid wanders back into your throat with such frequency that it causes an abiding irritation and soreness.
Allergies: Long-term exposure to environmental allergens such as pollen, mold or pet dander can cause chronic postnasal drip and sore throat.
Tonsillitis: Also known as tonsil stones: bacteria and debris gather in the folds of the tonsil and become rock-like and block the throat.
Smoking: Chemicals in cigarette smoke are highly irritating to throat tissues
Vocal Strain: Overusing or misusing your voice through yelling, singing or excessive talking can cause chronic throat discomfort.
If you’re prone to sore throats or if one lasts for 2 days despite self-treatment at home, see your doctor for further evaluation and possible long-term management.

Q: What is the best way to treat a sore throat from acid reflux?

A: Along with an over the counter or prescription medication, other lifestyle changes to minimize throat irritation could include avoiding trigger foods, going to bed without eating within a couple of hours, losing weight if overweight, and raising the head of the bed.

Sore Throat Prevention Tips

Although not all sore throats are preventable, you can reduce your risk by incorporating these easy strategies:

Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly: Clean your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.
Keep away from the sick: No friends, family or coworkers who are ill means fewer chances to catch their contagions.
Don’t share personal items: Don’t share drinks, food, utensils, towels, pillows or other items that can pass germs.
Treat allergies: If you have environmental allergies that can cause sore throats, see your doctor to develop a management plan that might include medications, immunotherapy and/or ways to avoid triggers.
Stop smoking: Stopping all cigarette use and exposure to smoke can help reduce the chronic irritation of the throat.
Drink lots of water: Staying well-hydrated will keep the throat lubricated and could rinse away irritants.
Stay in good health: Good sleep hygiene, exercise, stress management and a positive diet can all help to support immune function, so your body can resist infection.

Q: Should I gargle with hydrogen peroxide to prevent sore throats?

A: Some people think that gargling with diluted hydrogen peroxide should kill the bacteria and prevent infection, but it could irritate the lining of your delicate throat and throw off the balance of beneficial bacteria in your mouth. Gargling with warm salt water is safer, and a more established treatment for soothing sore throat pain.

Q: Can using a humidifier help prevent sore throats?

A: Yes, your respiratory system will have an easier time dealing with any pathogens if you add moisture to the air with a humidifier, keeping your throat from drying out and becoming prone to infection in the winter, especially if your house is heated with oil or gas, which dry the air. Make sure you clean the water tank of your humidifier regularly otherwise it will grow mold and bacteria.

Conclusion

In summary, even though a sore throat can be a miserable condition, many are caused by viruses and will improve on their own with simple home treatment. Over the counter (OTC) medications and natural remedies can help soothe your sore throat symptoms. Also, be sure to get plenty of rest and drink soothing fluids. If you have a severe sore throat, see your doctor, or seek urgent care or the emergency department (ED) if you’re having difficulty. If your sore throat is being caused by a non-threatening virus, you will recover quickly when your immune system heals itself. However, if you have other symptoms such as high fever, and especially if your symptoms worsen or last more than a week, you should go to your doctor’s office or urgent care center because you may need treatments such as antibiotics that can help control your condition. Knowing the red flags of when to see your doctor or health care provider will ensure that you can recover quickly and avoid further complications.

References:

van der Velden, A.W., Sessa, A., Altiner, A., Pignatari, A.C.C., and Shephard, A. (2020) 'Patients with Sore Throat: A Survey of Self-Management and Healthcare-Seeking Behavior in 13 Countries Worldwide', Pragmatic and Observational Research, 11, pp. 91-102. Essack, S., Bell, J., Burgoyne, D., Eljaaly, K., Tongrod, W., Markham, T., Shephard, A., and López-Pintor, E. (2023) 'Addressing Consumer Misconceptions on Antibiotic Use and Resistance in the Context of Sore Throat: Learnings from Social Media Listening', Antibiotics, 12(6), p. 957. Coutinho, G., Duerden, M., Sessa, A., Caretta-Barradas, S. and Altiner, A. (2020) 'Worldwide comparison of treatment guidelines for sore throat', International Journal of Clinical Practice, 75(5). Cardiff University Weber, R., 2014. Pharyngitis. Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice, 41(1), pp.91-98. Spinks, A., Glasziou, P.P. and Del Mar, C.B., 2013. Antibiotics for sore throat. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2013(11) Kenealy, T., 2011. Sore throat. BMJ Clinical Evidence, 2011, p.1509. Undeland, D.K., Kowalski, T.J., Berth, W.L. and Gundrum, J.D., 2010. Appropriately prescribing antibiotics for patients with pharyngitis: a physician-based approach vs a nurse-only triage and treatment algorithm. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 85(11), pp.1011-1015.