Sore throats are most commonly caused by an upper respiratory infection. A virus can attack anywhere along your throat, from the back of your nasal passages down to the back of your mouth and esophagus. Sometimes the signs of a sore throat indicate a bacterial infection. It can be difficult to tell whether a sore throat is due to a viral or bacterial infection as the signs are similar. Allergies can also trigger sore throat symptoms.
Pain
Pain in the sinuses, neck area and the back of your throat are common signs of a sore throat. Swallowing can cause further pain. Severe pain in any of these areas may be a sign or a more serious throat condition such as streptococcal infection (strep throat) or tonsillitis.
Swelling
If your throat is swollen, it will not only be painful but also cause difficulty swallowing. You may feel as if something is stuck in your throat, especially if your tonsils are swollen too. Swollen tonsils are usually a sign of tonsillitis but can also indicate strep throat or mononucleosis. You may also feel swollen glands and lymph nodes under and behind your chin and along your upper neck. Call your doctor if swelling makes breathing or swallowing very difficult.
Redness
Redness from inflammation is a sure sign of a sure throat. Even if you don't have a viral or bacterial infection, you can end up with a sore, red throat that's been irritated by post-nasal drip and drainage due to nasal allergies.
Dryness
Your throat may feel so dry and irritated you wish you could scratch it. Dry throat may also cause hoarseness when you try to speak. If you sleep with your mouth open, a dry, sore throat may simply be the result of dry air, especially from heated rooms during colder months.
Cough
Dryness and irritation commonly brings on a cough, especially in the morning. If you have a cold accompanied by a cough, you are likely to develop a mild sore throat as well. Heartburn, which is the backing up of stomach acid, can also leave you with a dry, sore throat, hoarseness and cough.
Patches
White or gray patches or pockets of pus on the back of your throat or tonsils can be a sign of strep throat or tonsillitis. Blisters on the throat are a sign of a viral Coxsackie infection.
Fever
Sore throat is often accompanied by fever, an indication of a viral or bacterial infection. In adults, a fever is not dangerous unless it goes over 103 degrees, but to be safe, call your doctor if your temperature is persistently high or goes over 101 degrees. Babies and children may have a serious condition even at a lower temperature, especially if the fever lasts more than two days and the sore throat is severe.
