OverviewA sore throat is pain, scratchiness or irritation of the throat that often worsens when you swallow. The most common cause of a sore throat (pharyngitis) is a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. A sore throat caused by a virus resolves on its own. Show
Strep throat (streptococcal infection), a less common type of sore throat caused by bacteria, requires treatment with antibiotics to prevent complications. Other less common causes of sore throat might require more complex treatment. SymptomsSymptoms of a sore throat can vary depending on the cause. Signs and symptoms might include:
Infections causing a sore throat might result in other signs and symptoms, including:
When to see a doctorTake your child to a doctor if your child's sore throat doesn't go away with the first drink in the morning, recommends the American Academy of Pediatrics. Get immediate care if your child has severe signs and symptoms such as:
If you're an adult, see your doctor if you have a sore throat and any of the following associated problems, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery:
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Bacterial infectionsMany bacterial infections can cause a sore throat. The most common is Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus) which causes strep throat. Other causesOther causes of a sore throat include:
Rarely, an infected area of tissue (abscess) in the throat or swelling of the small cartilage "lid" that covers the windpipe (epiglottitis) can cause a sore throat. Both can block the airway, creating a medical emergency. Risk factorsAlthough anyone can get a sore throat, some factors make you more susceptible, including:
PreventionThe best way to prevent sore throats is to avoid the germs that cause them and practice good hygiene. Follow these tips and teach your child to do the same:
How do I know if it's just a sore throat or strep?A viral sore throat is typically accompanied by other cold-like symptoms, such as cough, sneeze, runny nose and a hoarse or raspy voice. “A strep infection can make it feel very painful to swallow, and often comes with fever of 101-degrees or higher,” said Schairer.
What does the beginning of strep throat feel like?Pain and fever without a cough are common signs and symptoms
Sore throat that can start very quickly. Pain when swallowing. Fever. Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus.
How can you test for strep throat at home?Rapid strep test kits are available over the counter at drugstores and do not require a doctor's prescription. These tests are quick and easy to use, giving you results in as little as five minutes. It works just like a rapid test that doctors perform.
What part of your throat hurts when you have strep?if you push on the front part of your neck and you feel your glands or your lymph nodes, sometimes we'll call them glands, you feel that area and it's swollen and it hurts, that also means you're more likely to have strep; if you have a fever, you're more likely to have strep; and.
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