Sore Throat
Sore Throat (Pharyngitis)
A sore throat, also known as pharyngitis, causes pain, discomfort, and difficulty swallowing. It is often triggered by a viral or bacterial infection, but can also result from the flu or a common cold. A sore throat may be accompanied by tender or swollen lymph glands in the neck.
Common Symptoms
Depending on the cause, a sore throat may present alongside:
- Cough
- Headache
- General body aches, fatigue, or sore muscles
- Nasal congestion or runny nose (rhinitis)
- High temperature (fever) of 100.4°F / 38°C or above
If fever is present with a sore throat, further investigation is important as it may indicate a more serious condition.
Possible Causes
- Strep Throat: A bacterial infection requiring medical evaluation.
- Epiglottitis: Inflammation of the tissue at the back of the throat, potentially causing breathing difficulties.
- Laryngitis: Inflammation of the voice box (larynx), often affecting speech.
- Glandular Fever: Causes swelling in the lymph glands in the neck.
- Abscess (Quinsy): A painful pus collection between the throat wall and the tonsils, often a complication of tonsillitis.
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Causes of a Sore Throat
A sore throat is usually a symptom rather than a standalone condition. It is commonly caused by viral or bacterial infections, including tonsillitis, the common cold, or influenza.
Common Viral and Bacterial Causes
- Streptococcal bacteria: Group A (responsible for ~30% of sore throats in children and 10% in adults), group G, and group C bacteria.
- Common cold viruses: Coronavirus, parainfluenza, and rhinovirus, accounting for about 25% of sore throats.
- Other viruses and bacteria: Less than 5% of cases, including influenza type A & B, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV – causes glandular fever/mono), herpes simplex virus type 1 (cold sore virus), and adenovirus (can cause conjunctivitis).
Symptoms of a Sore Throat
- Cough
- Body aches or sore muscles
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck or behind the ears
- Headache
- Runny or blocked nose
- Fever
- Fatigue
Diagnosis
Your GP will review your symptoms and conduct a physical examination, checking your throat, lymph nodes, ears, and nose for signs of infection. If tonsillitis or a bacterial sore throat is suspected, the doctor may:
- Take a throat swab and perform a rapid strep test (results in minutes) to detect group A streptococcal bacteria.
- If negative for strep, a throat culture may be done to check for other bacterial infections (results in ~24 hours).
Based on the examination and test results, your GP can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend the appropriate treatment.
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