General Symptoms of Sore Throat
A variety of signs and symptoms accompany sore throat (sore throat). It’s important to note that these symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause. Some of these symptoms include:
- A sensation of pain or scratchiness in the throat.
- Pain that worsens when speaking or swallowing.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Swelling and redness of the tonsils.
- Presence of pus or white spots on the tonsils.
- Changes in voice quality, including hoarseness or loss of voice.
- Swelling and tenderness of the glands in the neck or jaw.
- Bad breath.
- Difficulty speaking.
- Fatigue.
- Loss of appetite.
- Swelling in the face.
- Trismus, a condition characterized by the inability to open the mouth fully.
- Snoring.
Inflammatory Symptoms of Sore Throat
Infections that cause a sore throat can lead to several additional symptoms. Some of these include:
- Cough and sneezing.
- Fever.
- Runny nose.
- Headache.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Aches and pains in the body.
Duration of Sore Throat Symptoms
The duration of sore throat symptoms can vary greatly depending on the underlying cause. For instance, in cases of bacterial infections such as strep throat, improvement may be observed shortly after starting appropriate antibiotic treatment. Conversely, if the sore throat is caused by ongoing exposure to irritants, like inhaling toxic substances or cigarette smoke, symptoms may subside immediately after eliminating the irritant. Viral infections, such as the common cold, typically result in sore throat symptoms lasting from several days to a week or more. Symptoms related to infectious mononucleosis may persist between one to four weeks, whereas recovery can take up to two months for some patients. Allergic rhinitis-related sore throat may last for several weeks, outlasting typical cold and flu episodes.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Symptoms Requiring a Doctor’s Visit
The American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery recommends consulting a healthcare professional if someone experiences a sore throat along with any of the following concerning symptoms:
- Severe sore throat or symptoms persisting longer than a week.
- Ear pain.
- Joint pain.
- Difficulty opening the mouth.
- Elevated body temperature above 38.3 degrees Celsius.
- Presence of a lump in the neck.
- Blood in saliva or phlegm.
- Frequent bouts of sore throat.
- Hoarseness lasting longer than two weeks.
- Swelling in neck and face.
- Weakened immune system due to factors such as chemotherapy or diabetes.
- Fever and chills.
- Patient anxiety stemming from the sore throat condition.
Symptoms Needing Immediate Medical Attention
It is crucial to recognize that, in rare instances, a sore throat may indicate a serious medical condition requiring immediate intervention. Therefore, emergency medical help should be sought if any severe or rapidly worsening symptoms occur, or if any of the following symptoms arise:
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Saliva drooling.
- Loud breathing sounds.
- Skin rash with red spots, known as petechiae or purpura.
- Numbness.
- Severe headache.
Video on Sore Throat
Dr. Somaya Al-Twalba, a consultant in Otolaryngology, discusses the causes and symptoms of sore throat.