Sore throat

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Introduction Signs and symptoms Causes Risk factors When to seek medical advice

Screening and diagnosis Complications Treatment Prevention Self-care

Introduction

The dry scratchiness and painful swallowing that are the hallmarks of a sore throat can be miserable. Yet a sore throat isn't a disease. Most often, it's a symptom of another illness — such as the common cold or the flu. In many cases, a sore throat is the first indication that you're getting sick.

Sore throats are a common reason that people visit their doctors, but many of those visits aren't necessary. Most sore throats go away on their own in about a week. Only a small percentage may require medical care.

Bacterial infections that cause sore throats are sometimes treated with antibiotics. But antibiotics aren't effective against viruses, the cause of most illnesses that result in a sore throat. In that case, your best response is self-care measures including rest and plenty of liquids.

NEXT:

Signs and symptoms