A sore throat is a condition that can be caused by rhinitis, a cold or inhaling cold air. It can also be a sign of a more serious health condition, like tonsillitis, acid reflux or COVID-19.

A sore throat can be accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, difficulty swallowing, a dry cough, foul breath, palpable lumps on the neck and pus in the throat.

If you experience a sore throat that persists for several days worsens with time, or impedes your ability to swallow, you should see a doctor for assessment. The doctor may treat your sore throat with medications like anti-inflammatories, antihistamines or antibiotics.

Main symptoms

The main symptoms of sore throat are:

Throat pain
Throat irritation
Difficulty and pain swallowing
Throat very red and swollen
Presence of pus in the throat
Dry cough
Loss of appetite
Fever
Bad breath
Lumps in the neck

In some cases, a sore throat can also cause a headache, body aches, runny nose, sneezing, stuffy nose or a lump in the throat.

Confirming a diagnosis

A sore throat diagnosis is confirmed by an otorhinolaryngologist or a general practitioner, who will assess your throat, palpate your neck and auscultate your chest.

Depending on the signs and symptoms you have, the doctor may also order tests such as endoscopy, allergy tests or a throat culture. A throat culture is done by collecting a sample of secretions from the throat using a cotton swab to identify what may be causing the condition.

Common causes

The main causes of sore throat are:

1. Flu or cold

The flu and cold are the most common causes of sore throat, as viruses that enter through the nose, start to accumulate and multiply in the throat. This can lead to inflammation and the appearance of symptoms such as pain, coughing, sneezing and headache.

2. Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils caused by viruses or bacteria, which are transmitted by inhaling droplets released into the air when coughing or sneezing. It can cause symptoms such as sore throat, fever and malaise. Learn more about the tonsillitis treatment your doctor can recommend.

3. COVID-19

A sore throat is one of the possible symptoms of COVID-19, which can also cause other symptoms such as headache, body pain, high fever, dry and persistent cough, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.

4. Rhinitis

A sore throat can be caused by rhinitis, which is upper airway swelling triggered by an allergy to dust, smoke or mites. This condition can cause symptoms such as a frequent runny nose, coughing, sneezing and sore throat.

5. Gastroesophageal reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) is characterized b the backflow of of stomach contents up into the esophagus. It causes inflammation of the esophageal wall, causing burning, heartburn and laryngitis, which is inflammation of the throat.

6. Sinusitis

A sore throat can be caused by sinusitis, an inflammation of the sinuses that can be triggered by by allergies to dust mites, dust or animal hair. It is associated with symptoms such as a frequent runny nose, sore throat and yellow or green phlegm.

7. Dry or cold air

Inhaling dry or cold air (in colder seasons, for example) or frequently being in environments with air conditioning can reduce humidity and moisture in the throat. This can lead to throat irritation and symptoms like pain when swallowing.

8. Excessive use of voice

A sore throat can also be the result of excessively using your voice for prolonged periods of time. Using your voice too much can overload the throat muscles and lead to symptoms such as hoarseness, pain and the loss of your voice.

Treatment options

Treatment for a sore throat can vary depending on the cause of it. In some cases, no specific treatment or medications are needed, however, more intense pain may require analgesics, antibiotics or antihistamines.

1. Medicines

Some medications that may be recommended by your doctor to treat a sore throat are:

Anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen, nimesulide or naproxen, which reduce swelling
Analgesics, such as acetaminophen, which relieve pain and fever and are recommended for flu, colds and COVID-19
Antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, penicillin and clavulanic acid, which are used in cases of tonsillitis and sinusitis
Antihistamines, such as loratadine or diphenhydramine, which are generally indicated for the treatment of rhinitis.

In addition, allergic rhinitis can also be treated and prevented with allergy shots, as prescribed by your doctor.

2. Home remedies

Some home remedies, such as ginger tea, eucalyptus tea and pomegranate tea, help treat a sore throat, and boost your immunity. Check-out how to get rid of a sore throat using natural remedies.

Although they have beneficial health properties, the use of home remedies should not replace treatment prescribed by a doctor.

3. Food

When experiencing a sore throat, you should opt for softer foods that do not aggravate your throat, like porridge, soup, pasta, yogurt and ground or shredded meats. Read about what to eat for a sore throat to help support a speedy recovery.

Other care measures

Some precautions that can help treat a sore throat are:

Rest
Avoiding sudden changes in temperature
Ensuring adequate fluid intake through water, coconut water or teas
Chewing food thoroughly
Gargling with warm water and salt
Avoid smoking and smoky places

You should also avoid drinking alcohol, as it can cause more dryness and irritation in the throat.