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Causes of Sore Throat

• Colds. Most sore throats are part of a cold. In fact, a sore throat may be the only symptom for the first 24 hours. Then a cough and runny nose start.
• Viral Pharyngitis. Some viruses cause a sore throat without other symptoms. A cough and runny nose don't become part of the illness. An antibiotic won't help.
• Strep Pharyngitis. Group A Strep is the most common bacterial cause. It accounts for 20% of sore throats without any cold symptoms. Pus is seen on the tonsils. Most common in children, but it can occur in adults. An antibiotic is helpful.
• Mono. Infectious Mono mainly occurs in teens and young adults. The main symptoms are sore throat, fever and widespread swollen lymph nodes. Like Strep, Mono also has pus on the tonsils. Patients with Mono also may have a enlarged spleen. It's located in the upper left side of the stomach. Mono is diagnosed with special blood tests.
• Post-nasal Drip. Drainage from a sinus infection can cause a sore throat. The throat clearing that goes with the drainage may cause most of the irritation. The sinus infection is more likely to be viral than bacterial.
• Mouth Breathing. Breathing with the mouth open during sleep can cause a sore throat. After eating breakfast, it often goes away.
• Abscess of Tonsil (serious). A bacterial infection of the tonsil can spread to the surrounding tissues. The main symptoms are severe trouble swallowing, fever and one-sided throat pain. It's also hard to fully open the mouth. The peak age is teens, but it also occurs in adults.
• Epiglottitis (very serious). A bacterial infection of the flap of tissue above the vocal cords. It normally covers the windpipe during swallowing. The main symptoms are severe sore throat, drooling, spitting and fever. It can shut off the airway. If this happens, Call 911. Can occur at any age.

Strep Throat: When to Suspect

• Symptoms include sore throat, fever, headache, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting.
• Cough, hoarseness, red eyes, and runny nose are usually not seen with Strep throat. These symptoms point more to a viral cause.
• Scarlet fever rash (fine, red, sandpaper-like rash) is highly suggestive of Strep throat.
• Peak age: 5 to 15 years old, but can occur at any age.
• If you think you have Strep, contact your doctor.
• Your doctor will do a Strep test. If the test is positive, you will get an antibiotic by mouth. There is no risk from waiting until a Strep test can be done.