When to See a Doctor About a Sore Throat

There are many common causes of sore throat, including bacterial infection and environmental factors. Knowing the cause can help you quickly identify the best course of action for treatment. Finding answers early may help prevent your sore throat symptoms from worsening.

Make a note of these common symptoms and causes of a sore throat to decide if now is the time to see a healthcare provider.

Sore throat symptoms include pain, scratchiness, redness or irritation in the throat, and pain when swallowing. Other accompanying symptoms may include swollen glands, hoarseness or loss of voice, and coughing.

Common Causes of Sore Throat

• Allergies
• Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
• The bacteria group A strep, which causes strep throat (also called streptococcal pharyngitis)
• Viruses, like those that cause colds or flu

Infections from viruses are the most common cause of sore throats. Strep throat is an infection in the throat and tonsils caused by bacteria. These bacteria are called group A Streptococcus (also called Streptococcus pyogenes).

Sore Throat Treatment

A doctor will determine your illness by asking about symptoms and doing a physical exam. Sometimes, they will also swab your throat.

Since bacteria causes strep throat, antibiotics may be needed to treat the infection to prevent rheumatic fever and other complications. A healthcare provider cannot tell if someone has strep throat just by looking in the throat. If your doctor thinks you might have strep throat, they can test you to determine if it is causing your illness.

If a virus causes a sore throat, antibiotics will not help, and their side effects could cause harm. Side effects can range from mild reactions, like a rash, to more serious health problems. Most sore throats will get better on their own within one week. Your doctor may prescribe other medicine or give tips to help you feel better.

At-Home Remedies for Sore Throat

• Antibiotics prescribed for bacterial infections such as strep throat
• Humidifier: Use a clean humidifier in the room to add moisture to the air and ease throat discomfort caused by dryness.
• Hydration: Warm beverages and plenty of fluids
• Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
• Rest
• Throat Lozenges or Sprays (do not give lozenges to children younger than four years)
• Use honey to relieve cough for adults and children at least one year of age or older.
• Warm Saltwater Gargle: Warm salt water can help reduce throat inflammation and kill bacteria.

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Is It an Emergency?

Children and adults typically share the same severe symptoms. If a sore doesn't go away after a few days of at-home treatment, go to urgent care.

Go to the emergency room if you or your child has severe signs and symptoms such as:

• Blood in saliva or phlegm
• Dehydration
• Earache
• Excessive drooling (in young children)
• High fever (above 101°F or 38.3°C)
• Joint swelling and pain
• Rash or hives
• Severe pain that persists despite treatment

This is not a complete list of all urgent symptoms. Please see your doctor for any severe or concerning symptoms. Tell your doctor if you or your child have recurrent sore throats.

Risk Factors

Anyone can get a sore throat. These factors could make you more susceptible.

• Age- Children and teens are most likely to develop sore throats. Children ages three to fifteen are also more likely to have strep throat, the most common bacterial infection associated with a sore throat.
• Allergies- Seasonal allergies or ongoing allergic reactions to dust, molds, or pet dander make developing a sore throat more likely.
• Chronic or frequent sinus infections- Drainage from your nose can irritate your throat or spread infection.
• Close quarters- Viral and bacterial infections spread easily anywhere people gather, whether in childcare centers, classrooms, offices, or airplanes.
• Exposure to chemical irritants- Particles in the air from burning fossil fuels and common household chemicals can cause throat irritation.
• Exposure to tobacco smoke- Smoking and secondhand smoke can irritate the throat. The use of tobacco products also increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, and voice box.
• Weakened immunity- You're generally more susceptible to infections if your resistance is low. Common causes of lowered immunity include HIV, diabetes, treatment with steroids or chemotherapy drugs, stress, fatigue, and poor diet.

Prevention

You can help prevent sore throats by doing your best to stay healthy and keep others healthy, including:

• Avoid close contact with people with sore throats, colds, or other upper respiratory infections.
• Don’t smoke and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.
• Wash your hands regularly.

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