Common Throat Infections

Viral infections, such as the common cold or influenza, are the most common cause of a sore throat.

Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes.

A sore throat can cause pain or scratchiness in the throat, difficulty swallowing, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, and fever.

A sore throat is diagnosed through a physical examination, throat culture, and rapid strep test.

The treatment for a sore throat includes rest, fluids, over-the-counter pain relievers, and antibiotics (for bacterial infections).

Tonsillitis is the inflammation of the tonsils, which are two small masses of tissue at the back of the throat.

Tonsillitis can cause a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, and fever.

Tonsillitis is treated with antibiotics, surgery, rest, and fluids.

Laryngitis is the inflammation of the larynx, which is the voice box.

Laryngitis can cause hoarseness, loss of voice, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing.

Laryngitis is treated with rest, fluids, voice rest, and over-the-counter pain relievers.

Croup is the inflammation of the epiglottis, which is a small flap of tissue that covers the larynx.

Croup can cause a hoarse cough, difficulty breathing, stridor (a high-pitched whistling sound during breathing), and fever.

Croup is treated with a cool mist humidifier, over-the-counter pain relievers, steroids, and hospitalization (in severe cases).

You should see a doctor for a sore throat if it lasts more than a week, if it is accompanied by a fever, difficulty swallowing, or swollen lymph nodes in the neck.