Sore throat or pharyngitis is an irritation, pain, and feeling of scratchiness in the back of your throat. Pain could be felt when talking or swallowing. 

Causes

• Viral infection such as common cold, flu, and COVID-19

• Bacterial infection – most common bacteria causing infection is Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus) called strep throat

• Allergies to pollen, dust mites, pets, molds, and other respiratory allergies

• Tonsilitis

• Pollution and tobacco smoke

• Yelling, prolonged talking, using loud voices

• GERD (Gastrointestinal reflux disease)

• Cancer – this involves hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, blood in phlegm, and prolonged sore throat

Symptoms

• Fever

• Stuffy nose

• Headache

• Fatigue

• Cough

• Hoarseness

• Runny nose

• Sneezing

Prevention

• Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds after activities such as eating or using the toilet

• Avoid touching your face

• Clean items frequently used such as phones, doorknobs, light switches, keyboards

• Avoid sick people

Treatment

Sore throat caused by virus usually resolves on its own within 5-7 days without treatment. For viral infection, antibiotics do not help. Symptomatic treatment includes using paracetamol or ibuprofen for relieving fever and pain, which can be stopped if symptoms are tolerable and relieved. Aspirin cannot be used in children or teenagers as it is linked to Reye’s syndrome. For patients diagnosed with bacterial infection, antibiotics must be taken as full course even if the symptoms have been relieved to ensure the bacteria causing the infection is eliminated.

When to see a doctor

If you feel generally unwell, see your doctor to have your symptoms diagnosed and ensure appropriate treatment, especially children. If you have sore throat that lasts for more than a week and becoming worse with other symptoms such as hoarseness, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, joint pain, fever higher than 38.3 degree Celsius, recurring sore throats, consult your doctor as soon as possible.