A sore throat is a common issue nearly everyone has experienced. Often, we assume that scratchy, painful feeling is “just a cold.” But what if it’s something more?
Zena Bazzi, N.P., a nurse practitioner at Henry Ford Health, discusses the causes of sore throats and when to see your provider.
What Causes A Sore Throat?
More than 70% of sore throats are “viral sore throats,” meaning they’re caused by a respiratory virus. Usually, this virus is the common cold.
“Viruses can cause inflammation in your throat that makes it feel sore and scratchy,” Bazzi says. “There is no cure for the common cold, but you’ll usually feel better within a week.”
In some cases, however, a sore throat is a sign of something that needs medical care. Some of the potentially serious causes of a sore throat include:
COVID-19
Like a cold, COVID-19 is a virus—but these two illnesses have some important differences. “COVID-19 can cause severe complications in certain people,” says Bazzi.
If you have a chronic illness or a weakened immune system, consider testing for COVID when you have symptoms. If you test positive, contact your provider to find out next steps. “You may need antiviral treatment or close monitoring to ensure you recover,” Bazzi says.
Influenza (the flu)
The flu may seem like a cold at first, but then it gets worse. “People with the flu often get a severe sore throat, headache, fatigue and cough,” says Bazzi. “Usually, you won’t have the runny nose and sneezing that a cold causes.”
Antiviral medications can treat the flu, but not everyone needs them. “Antivirals can help people at high risk, such as people with asthma, diabetes or lung disease,” Bazzi explains. “They work best when you take them within two days of the start of your symptoms.”
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
STIs can cause a range of symptoms, and sore throat is a common one. “Some STIs cause flu-like symptoms that include a sore throat,” Bazzi says. “Others cause painful sores in the throat. If you are sexually active, talk with your provider about testing for STIs.”
STIs that can cause a sore throat include:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Herpes
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Syphilis
Strep throat
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that usually requires treatment with antibiotics. “A sore throat is often the first symptom of strep throat,” Bazzi says. “It’s not always easy to distinguish between a virus and strep throat from symptoms alone.”
If your provider suspects strep, they may take a swab of your throat. “If the swab tests positive for the strep bacteria, you may need a prescription for antibiotics,” Bazzi says. “If the test is negative, antibiotics won’t help.”
Getting To The Root Cause
With all these possible causes, how do you know if your sore throat warrants a call to your provider? Check your symptoms.
If you have a cold, you’ll probably experience:
- Cough
- Headache
- Mild fatigue
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
If you don’t have cold symptoms, look for other signs of illness. See your provider if you notice:
- Blood in your saliva or phlegm
- Fever over 101 degrees for more than two days
- Joint pain or swelling
- Rash
- Severe sore throat that doesn’t get better within two days
- Sores in your mouth or throat
- Trouble swallowing
You should also see your provider if your sore throat lasts more than three days or is getting worse. “A viral sore throat usually starts to improve after a couple of days,” Bazzi says. “A long-term sore throat is often a sign of something more serious.”
Home Remedies For A Sore Throat
Home care is the best treatment if you have a cold. These tried-and-true remedies can help you feel better sooner:
- Don’t smoke, and avoid secondhand smoke
- Get plenty of rest
- Stay hydrated with water or non-caffeinated beverages
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain (ask your provider first if you have any health conditions or take other medications)
“My favorite sore throat remedy is warm saltwater gargles,” Bazzi says. “The salt helps reduce pain and inflammation in your throat, and the warm water is soothing.”
Should I take herbal remedies?
Stores are full of herbal remedies that claim to cure a sore throat. Unfortunately, many of these products don’t work—and some could be unsafe.
“Most of these herbal cold products have weak evidence to support them,” Bazzi says. “Zinc-based cold remedies can cause upset stomach, problems with taste and permanent loss of smell. Play it safe and ask your provider before taking cold remedies.”
There are a few natural treatments that are worth a try, however. “Honey, pectin and glycerin form a thin film in your throat that provides temporary relief,” says Bazzi. “One study also found that an herbal tea with licorice root, elm inner bark, marshmallow root and licorice root soothes a sore throat.”
Partner with Your Primary Care Provider
Whether you have a mild illness or something more, communication with your primary care provider is your key to wellness. “If you’re concerned about your symptoms—even if they seem minor—reach out to your primary care provider,” Bazzi says. “We’re here to answer your questions and help you stay well.”
Reviewed by Zena Bazzi, a nurse practitioner who sees patients at Henry Ford Medical Center - Taylor.
