Where is sore throat

Is it painful to swallow? Or is your throat scratchy? Strep throat is an infection in the throat and tonsils caused by bacteria called group A Streptococcus also called Streptococcus pyogenes. A sore throat can make it painful to swallow. A sore throat can also feel dry and scratchy. Sore throat can be a symptom of strep throat, the common cold, allergies, or other upper respiratory tract illness. The following symptoms suggest a virus is the cause of the illness instead of the bacteria called group A strep:.

Symptoms of sore throat, whether caused by viruses or by the bacteria called group A strep, can often be similar. Sometimes someone with strep throat also has a rash known as scarlet fever also called scarlatina. A healthy throat and a sore throat, including uvula and tongue, showing inflamed tonsils. More about scarlet fever strep throat. See a doctor if you or your child have symptoms of strep throat.

You or your child may need to be tested for strep throat. This list is not all-inclusive. Please see your doctor for any symptom that is severe or concerning. Follow up with a doctor if symptoms do not improve within a few days, get worse, or if you or your child have recurrent sore throats. A doctor will determine what type of illness you have by asking about symptoms and doing a physical examination. Sometimes they will also swab your throat.

More about rheumatic fever. Since bacteria cause strep throat, antibiotics are needed to treat the infection and prevent rheumatic fever and other complications. If your throat pain lasts more than a week or it is hard to swallow or breathe, see a doctor. There are many different ways to diagnose throat pain. A throat culture is a test where the back of the throat is brushed with a long cotton swab. The swab is usually sent to a laboratory to be analyzed for bacteria.

If it is a rapid strep test, you will get immediate results. Rapid strep tests can sometimes produce false negatives. For this reason, the throat culture is usually sent to the lab for further testing. You may get a call in a day or two to confirm a strep throat diagnosis. A sore throat that is caused by sinusitis or infections of the nasal passageways may be diagnosed with a throat culture.

The clinician may also take samples of your sputum , which is the material you cough up. Blood tests or allergy skin tests can tell a doctor if your sore throat is caused by allergies.

During a skin test, a clinician exposes you to an allergen—something you may be allergic to—through a tiny scratch in your skin. If you are allergic, you will have a reaction. Blood tests can also look for antibodies immune system proteins to specific allergens. The results of skin testing are available immediately. Blood test results may take a few days.

A trial of acid reflux medication can help your doctor find the cause of your sore throat. If you respond to the medication, your doctor may diagnose you with acid reflux. Similarly, a trial of antihistamine medication can help your doctor diagnose allergies.

This may be done before allergy testing. Medical imaging including computed tomography CT scans , ultrasounds, or magnetic resonance imaging MRI scans can be used to diagnose throat pain.

This may be done if the suspected cause is a lump or growth, or sinusitis. Acid reflux and similar problems are often diagnosed with an upper endoscopy. Another test that can be used is a barium swallow. During this test, you will be asked to drink a thick solution containing barium. The barium coats your esophagus and stomach to make them visible on x-rays.

Your doctor will also do a physical exam to look at your throat and feel your neck. You'll also be asked about your symptoms and health history. Your doctor will examine you for lumps or bumps in the throat. A lump or bump that accompanies a sore throat could be a lymph node.

It could also be something more concerning. If your doctor can not identify it as a lymph node, you may need a biopsy. Throat pain can be diagnosed a number of different ways.

You may need lab tests or imaging. A doctor may also diagnose you based on your symptoms. There are a few options for treating your sore throat. Many of these can be started right away.

Some simple steps can help ease your sore throat:. There are a variety of medications available for treating the causes of throat pain. Other medications can treat sore throat symptoms.

Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections like strep throat. They do not work against viruses. This treatment may be a one-time injection or oral antibiotics taken over a period of time. Make sure to let your doctor know if you have any drug allergies. There are many alternative antibiotics you can take if you are allergic to penicillin or another antibiotic.

Antihistamines can help your allergy symptoms. When you contact a allergen like pollen, mold, or dander, your body releases histamine. Histamine plays a role in the sensation of pain, so taking an antihistamine can help with an allergy-related sore throat. Over-the-counter antihistamines include:.

Acid Reflux Medication. Successful treatment of acid reflux can take time. The sooner you are diagnosed and treated, the sooner symptoms like sore throat will go away. Your doctor may start you on a trial of an H2 histamine blocker or a proton pump inhibitor PPI. Both of these medication types are available over the counter. They include:. Pain Medication. Pain medication can help control the pain from any type of sore throat.

Over-the-counter options include:. These medicines are very effective at controlling sore throat pain. These include:. Cough drops may also be helpful. Warm, caffeine-free tea can help you stay hydrated. Try adding honey, pectin, or glycerin to your tea. These ingredients are called demulcents.

There is limited research on their effectiveness, but they may help relieve irritation and create a soothing film in your throat. Some people report relief after taking a commercial product called Throat Coat. Throat Coat contains:. A small study showed a significant decrease in pain 30 minutes after using Throat Coat.

Findings on a variety of Chinese herbs and acupuncture are inconsistent. Doctors don't usually recommend these remedies. Still, some people have found them helpful. Talk to your doctor before taking herbal medications, especially if you are also taking prescribed medication. Some sore throat treatments address the cause of the pain. Others treat the pain itself. Treatment can include medication, lifestyle changes, and alternative therapies. Many of the causes of sore throat can be prevented.

If you know why your throat is sore, you may be able to prevent future sore throats by treating the underlying cause. Lifestyle changes and better hygiene can also help you avoid sore throats.

Hand washing is the best way to prevent sore throats caused by viruses and bacteria. Wash for at least 20 seconds. Make sure you wash from your fingernails to your wrists. Thorough hand washing greatly reduces your chances of getting an infection. Hand sanitizer is a good alternative when you are not near a bathroom. Acid reflux can be related to your weight. Ask your doctor if this may be true for you.

If so, weight loss is a great lifestyle adjustment. It can reduce your symptoms and help prevent long-term throat pain. Ask your doctor about long-term use of oral or nasal allergy medications. Immunotherapy such as allergy shots may also be an option. Many sore throats can be prevented. Lifestyle changes, good hygiene, and medication to treat the underlying causes can often prevent throat pain.

Sore throats can have many causes, including viruses and bacteria, acid reflux, and allergies. See a doctor if your sore throat lasts more than a week or if it is hard to swallow. Sore throat can be diagnosed with lab tests or a simple exam. Sometimes imaging may be required. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview A sore throat is pain, scratchiness or irritation of the throat that often worsens when you swallow.

Throat anatomy Open pop-up dialog box Close. Throat anatomy The throat includes the esophagus, windpipe trachea , voice box larynx , tonsils and epiglottis. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Sore throats. Accessed Feb. Sore throat.

Merck Manual Professional Version. Seven tips to help you prevent a sore throat. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Drutz, JE. Sore throat in children and adolescents: Symptomatic treatment.

Stead W. Symptomatic treatment of acute pharyngitis in adults. Slippery Elm. Natural Medicines. Taking care of your voice. Chow AW, et al.