Sore throat

Overview What is Sore Throat (Pharyngitis)?

A SORE THROAT IS A SCRATCHY, PAINFUL FEELING IN THE BACK OF YOUR THROAT. IF YOU HAVE A SORE THROAT, IT MAY BE PAINFUL TO SWALLOW OR TALK. MANY THINGS CAUSE A SORE THROAT, FROM BACTERIAL AND VIRAL INFECTIONS TO ALLERGIES AND SLEEPING WITH YOUR MOUTH OPEN. MOST SORE THROAT SYMPTOMS DISAPPEAR WITHIN A FEW DAYS.

If your sore throat lasts longer than a week, gets worse, or develops symptoms such as fever or swollen lymph nodes, you should consult a doctor.

What does a sore throat feel like?

A sore throat may start with a wheezing feeling in your throat, as if your throat is dry. You may also feel like your throat is burning. If your sore throat gets worse, you may feel a sharp pain in your throat when you swallow or talk. You may feel pain in your ears or on the side of your neck.

Is a sore throat a serious problem?

It could be. For example, a sore throat that lasts longer than two weeks may be a sign of laryngeal cancer. Sore throat is a symptom of COVID-19. But most of the time, a sore throat is a symptom of less serious conditions.