Sore Throat

Sore throats are very common and usually resolve without specific treatment.

Of the infections that cause sore throat, viral infections are most common. Less often, you may have a bacterial infection called strep throat.

Infections are not the only cause of sore throats. Allergies causing nasal congestion with mouth breathing and acid reflux are two non-infectious causes of sore throat.

Rarely, a sore throat can be a sign of a serious disorder that needs immediate medical attention. Certain causes of a sore throat could block off your airway and stop your breathing if left untreated.

Do you have one or more of the following symptoms: shortness of breath such severe pain that you cannot swallow drooling? Yes, I am experiencing one or more of these symptoms. No, I do not have these symptoms.

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Online Medical Reviewer: Faculty of Harvard Medical School Date Last Reviewed: 5/15/2006 Date Last Modified: 5/9/2006 Source: from Harvard Health Decision Guides, Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.

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