A 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.
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.
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Symptoms
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Throat anatomy
Throat anatomy
The throat includes the esophagus; windpipe, also known as the trachea; voice box, also known as the larynx; tonsils; and epiglottis.
Symptoms of a sore throat can vary depending on the cause. Signs and symptoms might include:
- Pain or a scratchy sensation in the throat
- Pain that worsens with swallowing or talking
- Difficulty swallowing
- Sore, swollen glands in your neck or jaw
- Swollen, red tonsils
- White patches or pus on your tonsils
- A hoarse or muffled voice
Infections causing a sore throat might result in other signs and symptoms, including:
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Body aches
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
When to see a doctor
Take 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:
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Unusual drooling, which might indicate an inability to swallow
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:
- A sore throat that is severe or lasts longer than a week
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- Joint pain
- Earache
- Rash
- Fever higher than 101 F (38.3 C)
- Blood in your saliva or phlegm
- Frequently recurring sore throats
- A lump in your neck
- Hoarseness lasting more than two weeks
- Swelling in your neck or face
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Can Allergies Cause A Sore Throat?
How To Help Prevent A Sore Throat From Allergies
Here’s how you can try and prevent a sore throat if you have one of the most common allergies.
Pollen allergy
Tree pollen in spring4, grass pollen in the summer and ragweed pollen during the fall can all cause especially high levels of discomfort at those times of year, if you’re allergic to any of those allergens.
Try to reduce your exposure by staying indoors when the weather is especially windy – which can ‘whip up’ pollen into the air. The best time to be out is usually after rainfall, which helps clear up airborne pollen.
Remember to change clothes when you’ve been outside and avoid extensive gardening duties if possible5. In the summer, it’s a good idea to turn up the AC – which may help disperse pollen more effectively, and prevent it from settling on or near you.
Pet allergies
The main cause of pet allergies – including dog and cat allergies – is dander, or shed skin cells – though pet saliva can be a problem too, as this can linger when it is dried and airborne.
A HEPA air purifier may help reduce the amount of allergens in your home, such as dander and dried saliva6. Avoiding prolonged exposure to our furry friends can help too – try to bathe them once a week to reduce dander, wash your hands after petting animals, and keep pets out of the house as much as you can7.
Help Soothe A Sore Throat From Allergies With These Remedies8
HELP SOOTHE A SORE THROAT
DRINK LOTS OF FLUIDS
USE A HUMIDIFIER (OR STEAM ROOM)
RELAX, AND REST YOUR VOICE
DRINK WARM LIQUIDS
It’s one thing to try and avoid allergens as much as possible, but if you’re suffering from a sore throat as the result of an allergy, you’ll want to know how to soothe it as quickly as you can.
Fortunately, there are a number of home-based and over-the-counter methods to help a sore throat caused by allergies.
Drink lots of fluids
Try to keep your throat from drying out, and avoid dehydration by drinking lots of fluids – especially water. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol, which can have a dehydrating effect, is also advised.
Use a humidifier (or steam room)
Dry air may make your sore throat feel worse. A cool-air humidifier can improve the air circulation in your home or working environment and prevent that from happening. Steam, meanwhile, can have a similarly positive effect.
Drink warm liquids
Soothing a sore throat with a warming drink, such as warm water with honey, or a broth, can help provide some relief. Just be sure to check the temperature isn’t too hot first though, as that could cause further discomfort.
Relax (and rest your voice)
Taking a temporary vow of silence – or at least speaking only when necessary – may help you to stay more comfortable. Get plenty of rest too – relaxing at home in a controlled atmosphere may help minimize your exposure to allergens.
Zyrtec medications are not indicated for sore throats. However, Zyrtec does provide 24-hour relief from other symptoms of allergies, such as a runny nose, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes and itching of the nose or throat.
FAQs
How do you tell if it’s allergies or a cold?9
When you’re experiencing an allergic reaction, you may get some of the same symptoms as you would when catching a cold, including a sore throat. A cold, however, may also give you a fever or raised body temperature due to viral infection. Find out more information on the differences between allergies and colds, and how to tell the difference.
What should you not eat with a sore throat?8
Eating certain soups, and drinking warm water with honey, can help soothe a sore throat. But some types of food are best avoided. These include anything especially acidic or spicy, as that might irritate your throat, causing further discomfort.
Is ice cream bad for a sore throat?8
On the contrary, if you ever needed an excuse to enjoy an ice cream, it’s having a sore throat! A cool treat such as your favorite ice cream, or an ice pop, may help soothe a sore throat – and bring some welcome relief.