Sore Throat
(Pharyngitis)

Revising Medical Author: John P. Cunha, DO
Revising Medical Editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

• What causes a sore throat?
• What can I do at home for a sore throat?
• What is strep throat and why is it different?
• When should I seek medical care for a sore throat?
• What if I have multiple episodes of strep throat?
• Sore Throat At A Glance

What causes a sore throat?

A sore throat can have many causes including:

1. Common viruses, and even the viruses that cause mononucleosis (mono) and the flu, can cause a sore throat. Some viruses can also produce blisters in the mouth and throat ("aphthous stomatitis").

2. Breathing through the mouth can produce throat dryness and soreness.

3. Sinus drainage (post nasal drip) may cause a sore throat.

4. A sore throat can also be caused by bacteria. The two most common bacteria to cause a sore throat are Streptococcus (which causes strep throat) and Arcanobacterium haemolyticum. Arcanobacterium causes sore throats mainly in young adults and is sometimes associated with a fine red rash.

5. Sore throat appearing after treatment with antibiotics, chemotherapy, or other immune-compromising medications may be due to Candida, commonly known as "thrush."

6. A sore throat lasting for more than two weeks can be a sign of a serious illness, such as throat cancer or AIDS.

Sore Throat (Pharyngitis) - Length Symptoms Lasted

The MedicineNet physician editors ask:

How long did the symptoms of your sore throat (pharyngitis) last? Was there anything in particular that helped with pain/symptom relief?

Anonymously share your comment to help others.
See 2 Viewer Comments

Submit Your Comment

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

Esophageal pH Monitoring - Source:MedicineNet Strep Throat - Strep throat is a bacterial throat infection of Streptococcus, or strep, that needs antibiotics for treatment. Source:MedicineNet Dengue Fever - Get the facts on dengue fever causes (virus transmitted by infected mosquito), symptoms, signs, treatment, statistics and information on dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). Source:MedicineNet Read 139 more Sore Throat related articles ... Health Tip: Use Tampons Properly Health Tip: Soothing a Sore Throat Health Tip: A Sprain in the Neck Asmanex Approved for Asthmatic Children Health Tip: Understanding Laryngitis Appendix Removed via Patient's Mouth Flu Shot Failure? Questions & Answers