Sore Throat

Definition

 

A sore throat is pain anywhere in the oropharynx.^[1]

Differential diagnosis

A sore throat is usually from irritation or inflammation. The most common cause (80%) is acute viral pharyngitis, a viral infection of the throat.^[1] Other causes include other infections (such as streptococcal pharyngitis), trauma, and tumors.^[1] Gastroesophageal (acid) reflux disease can cause stomach acid to back up into the throat and also cause the throat to become sore.^[2] In children streptococcal pharyngitis is the cause of 37% of sore throats.^[3]

What is the difference between sore throat and strep throat?

 

Sore throat is a generic term used to describe the symptom of discomfort and pain in the throat area. It does not specify the underlying cause.
Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils that causes a sore throat. It is important to note that not all cases of sore throat are necessarily strep throat. Strep throat is specifically caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria, and there are characteristic signs and symptoms, as well as laboratory testing, that can assist in making this particular diagnosis.

What are the causes of sore throat?

There are several different causes of sore throat, which may include the following:

• Viral infection: This is by far the most common cause of a sore throat, and there are several different viruses that can lead to the common cold and an upper respiratory infection. Certain viruses such as the influenza virus (influenza, flu), Epstein-Barr virus (mononucleosis), mumps virus (mumps), parainfluenza virus (croup) and Coxsackie A virus (herpangina) also cause sore throat.
• Bacterial infection: A less common cause of sore throat, a bacterial infection can lead to strep throat, peritonsillar abscess, retropharyngeal abscess, diphtheria, epiglottitis, and tonsillitis. Certain sexually transmitted diseases (STD's), such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, also can rarely cause a sore throat.
• Toxins/Irritants: Various substances such a cigarette smoke, air pollution, and noxious airborne chemicals can lead to a sore throat. Medical conditions such as postnasal drip, allergies, cough, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and tumors can cause a sore throat. The intentional or unintentional ingestion of certain substances (for example, bleach) can cause a sore throat.
• Trauma/Injury: Any direct injury to the throat or neck area can lead to a sore throat. Sometimes, a foreign body (for example, a bone or piece of food) can cause a sore throat. Excessive yelling or screaming can irritate the throat and larynx, also leading to a sore throat

Signs and symptoms

Physical examination of a patient with a sore throat and high fever.

• painful and swollen tonsils
• tender and swollen glands in your neck
• painful, tender sensation at the back of your throat
• discomfort when swallowing

Other symptoms associated with common infectious conditions may be experienced, such as:

• a high temperature (fever)
• chills
• headache
• tiredness
• aching muscles
• runny nose
• coughing
• sneezing
• general feeling of being unwell

In young children:

• refusing to feed
• irritability
• frequent crying
• high temperature
• cough
• difficulty sleeping
• sneezing
• runny nose
• diarrhea
• tiredness and feeling generally unwell