Health Center

Sore Throat

When should you seek medical care?

1) If a sore throat is lasting longer than a week. 2) If you have severe difficulty swallowing or breathing. 3) If your temperature is consistently over 102. 4) If there are symptoms of dehydration such as sunken eyes, severe weakness and decreased urine output. More »

A specific type of strep bacteria (GABHS--or group A beta hemolytic streptococcus) can not only make your throat sore, it can damage your heart (rheumatic fever) or kidneys (glomerular nephritis). Fortunately, it is one of the few causes of sore throat that responds to antibiotics. The risk of heart or kidney damage is the reason why antibiotics are prescribed and why you should finish the entire course of medication even though your sore throat will be long gone. A rapid strep test or a throat culture can be done to distinguish GABHS from other causes of sore throat.

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About Sore Throat

Inflammation of the pharynx (pharyngitis) or tonsils (tonsillitis) result in what is commonly referred to as a sore throat. It can be a symptom of many medical disorders. The throat, with its ring of lymph tissue, is the first line of defense against external troublemakers whether they are environmental, physical or microbial. Viral and bacterial infections cause the majority of problems.

Check below for treatment and self care information.


Viral

Bacterial

Other Causes
Most common for all ages and all seasons. Most common bacterial cause is streptococcus (Strep)infection. Allergies: the same pollens, molds and danders that irritate the nose and eyes can irritate the throat.
Highly contagious and spreads quickly. It accounts for ~10% of infectious sore throats in adults. Drainage from above: postnasal drip from colds or bacterial sinus infections.
Often accompanied by a stuffy/runny nose, cough, and fever <102°. Onset is usually sudden. Often accompanied by fever >101°, pus on the tonsils and swollen neck glands. Usually no cough or nasal symptoms. Irritation from below: reflux of acid from the stomach.

Most frequent causes:

  • Rhinoviruses
  • Adenoviruses
  • Coronaviruses

Other bacterial causes:

  • Arcanobacterium
  • Mycoplasma
  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea
 Dryness: indoor air especially in the winter can irritate the throat as can mouth breathing due to nasal congestion.

Can be part of the presentation of:

 Generally respond to antibiotics that can shorten the illness. Pollution: outdoor and indoor pollutants such as smog and smoke.
No specific antiviral treatment is effective. Smoking: tobacco or other substances.
Strain: prolonged yelling or coughing.






                                                                                                                                                     

Specific Treatment:

For most sore throats there is no specific treatment that will cure the problem. Bacterial infections are an exception. Always finish the entire prescription of antibiotics. The last few pills kill the toughest germs.

Sore throats due to allergy usually respond to antihistamines (loratadine=Claritin and diphenhydramine=Benadryl are over-the counter versions) or steroid nasal sprays (prescription medications).

Viral sore throats respond only to time. The inappropriate use of antibiotics is fueling the increase in drug-resistant bacteria.

Self Care:

  • Double your fluid intake. Use water, herbal teas & broths. No caffeinated beverages.
  • Try sipping through a straw.
  • Try jello or popsicles.
  • Drink a mixture of honey & lemon juice to taste in warm water.
  • Gargle with salt water (1/2 teaspoon to 8 ounces of warm water).
  • Suck on lozenges or hard candy.
  • Use ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), or acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain.
  • Humidify the air.
  • Decongest your nose to reduce mouth breathing.
  • Avoid smoke and other air pollutants.
  • Rest your voice.

Health Center, Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma WA 98447