Sore Throat

What is a Sore Throat?

A sore throat is one of the most common of all medical conditions. The familiar raw feeling at the back of the throat can be accompanied by dryness and difficulty in swallowing. Usually the back of the throat looks red and sore, and a sore throat may affect the voice and cause hoarseness. A sore throat may occur on its own, but it is more likely to be one of several symptoms.

What causes a Sore Throat?

The most frequent cause of a sore throat is a cold or flu. If the throat is very sore, red and swollen, the cause could be tonsillitis or pharyngitis. If there is hoarseness, this may mean that the larynx is inflamed. If there are no other symptoms of a cold or flu, and no hoarseness, but there is swelling around the jawbone towards the ears, the cause could be mumps, especially in children. If the glands in the neck are swollen the cause may be glandular fever, particularly in adolescents and young adults.

Symptoms

• Dry throat
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Back of throat appears red and swollen
• Throat and neck may be tender and swollen around the jaw and ears or at the front
• Tiny glands in the neck may be swollen