Symptoms of sore throat

Symptoms of a sore throat vary with the cause, but the pattern gives useful clues about whether it is viral, bacterial or due to irritation.

Main symptoms

• Pain or a scratchy, raw feeling in the throat
• Pain that worsens with swallowing or talking
• A dry, hoarse or muffled voice
• Redness and swelling in the throat, sometimes with white patches on the tonsils
• Swollen, tender glands in the neck

Symptoms that suggest a viral cause

• Runny or blocked nose, sneezing and cough
• Mild fever, body aches and tiredness
• Conjunctivitis (red eyes) or hoarseness

Symptoms that suggest strep throat

• Sudden severe throat pain and painful swallowing
• Fever above 38.5 degrees C, often without cough
• Red, swollen tonsils with white patches, and tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth
• Swollen, tender neck glands, headache and stomach pain, especially in children
• A sandpaper-like rash (scarlet fever)

Symptoms from other causes

• Itchy eyes and sneezing suggest allergy
• Morning sore throat with heartburn suggests reflux
• Hoarseness after shouting suggests voice strain

Warning signs Difficulty breathing, drooling or inability to swallow, severe one-sided throat pain and swelling, stiff neck, blood in saliva, or a sore throat lasting over a week.

Ayurvedic view (interpretive) Texts describe throat pain with burning (Pitta) or with heaviness and mucus (Kapha). This is traditional language, not a diagnosis.

When to see a doctor Any warning sign, high fever, rash, or symptoms lasting more than a week. Call 112 for breathing difficulty or drooling with inability to swallow.

Remember A sore throat with cough and cold is usually viral; sudden severe pain with high fever and no cough suggests strep and needs a doctor.