What is a sore throat?A sore throat means that your throat hurts. It feels irritated or scratchy. You may feel mild discomfort or a burning pain. A sore throat may feel worse when you swallow. Possible complications from a sore throat include ear and sinus infections. Another complication is an abscess (buildup of pus) near your tonsils. Show
Symptoms of a sore throatA sore throat means that your throat hurts and is irritated, swollen, or scratchy. It usually hurts worse when you swallow. Depending on the cause of your sore throat, symptoms include:
In some cases, additional symptoms include:
What causes a sore throat?Most sore throats are caused by viruses, such as the cold or flu virus. Some of the more serious causes of sore throat include tonsillitis, strep throat, and mononucleosis (mono). Other causes include smoking, mouth breathing at night while you sleep, pollution, and allergies to pets, pollens and molds. General anesthesia during surgery can cause a sore throat. How is a sore throat diagnosed?Your doctor will do a physical exam. They will look at the back of your throat. Your doctor may swab the back of your throat. This is called a throat culture. It is done to collect a sample of bacteria. This also is used in a rapid strep test. This is a quick test to diagnose strep throat. The test won’t tell if your sore throat is caused by something other than strep. The results of a throat culture takes between 24 and 48 hours. If your doctor thinks you may have mono, they will probably do a blood test. Can a sore throat be prevented or avoided?The best way to avoid a sore throat is to avoid getting sick. Avoid catching or spreading the viruses and bacteria that cause a sore throat. Wash your hands regularly. Avoid touching your eyes or mouth. Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. Sore throat treatmentIf your sore throat is cause by the flu, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medicine. Antibiotics don’t work on viruses. Most sore throats caused by a cold or flu-type virus go away in a week to 10 days. If your sore throat is caused by bacteria, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic. You will feel better in a few days. It is important to take all of your antibiotics. This reduces the risk that your sore throat will return. Symptoms caused by mono can last for 4 weeks or more. The treatment for mono is rest and reduced exercise. If a sore throat is caused by allergies, your doctor may talk to you about allergy triggers. He or she may recommend medicine for the allergy. If your sore throat is caused by tonsillitis, you may need an operation. This is called a tonsillectomy. The surgery removes your tonsils. Most people who have tonsillitis don’t need surgery. You might need surgery if you get severe tonsillitis often. You may need surgery if your tonsils are too big. Living with a sore throatEasing the pain of a sore throat is all you can do beyond treatment. The best remedies include:
Questions to ask your doctor
Common Causes of a Sore Throat and CoughIn light of recent public health concerns, having a sore throat and a nagging cough has become cause for significant alarm. However, waking up with a scratchy throat should not trigger immediate panic. While a hacking cough is a potential symptom of coronavirus (COVID-19), there are several other, less serious conditions that are more likely cause a sore throat and cough. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common.Flu (Influenza)The flu is a viral infection that peaks on an annual basis, usually between October and March. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that up to 20% of Americans are affected by the flu every year. This infection can cause a sore throat, wet or dry cough, fever, chills and other symptoms that may last for several days or weeks. The Common ColdThe “common cold” is appropriately named. Millions of Americans catch a cold on an annual basis, with many getting multiple colds over the course of a year. This viral infection can produce symptoms like sore throat, cough, congestion, sneezing and body aches that may linger for a week or more. Sinus InfectionSinus infections can be viral and develop as a result of a cold, or they may be caused by bacteria or fungi. Whatever its origin, a sinus infection can trigger several weeks or even months of unpleasant symptoms, including sore throat and persistent coughing as a result of postnasal drip. Strep ThroatStrep throat is a bacterial infection that can produce inflammation and significant pain and soreness in the throat. It’s rare for strep throat to cause a cough, but it can lead to nausea, headache and fever. This condition can occur in people of all ages, although it most often affects kids and teens. AllergiesSeasonal allergies are very common and are often to blame for a scratchy throat. Allergies can trigger a wide variety of problems, including sore throat, cough, sneezing, red and watery eyes, congestion and other bothersome symptoms that may linger until the season changes. Other CausesSeveral other factors may cause a sore throat or cough, such as:
While a sore throat or cough usually does not indicate a life-threatening emergency, it is important to call 911 if you or someone around you cannot swallow or breathe easily. Find Relief From Your SymptomsTufts Medical Center Community Care is a multispecialty medical group with dozens of physicians who provide sore throat and cough treatment at our conveniently located centers throughout north suburban Boston. To schedule an appointment for you or your child, contact our friendly team today or reserve an appointment online. What does it mean when your throat hurts and you cough?A sore throat is often a symptom of: colds or flu – you may also have a blocked or runny nose, a cough, a high temperature (fever), a headache and general aches. laryngitis (inflammation of the voice box) – you may also have a hoarse voice, a dry cough and a constant need to clear your throat.
Does Covid cause sore throat and cough?Yes, one of the possible symptoms of COVID-19 is a sore throat. Other common symptoms include fever, dry cough, difficulty breathing, fatigue, headache and sudden loss of taste or smell.
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