A – Z of Illnesses & Conditions

Sore Throat: Sore throat is pain, scratchiness or irritation of the throat that often worsens when you swallow. A sore throat is the primary symptom of pharyngitis that is caused by swelling in the back of the throat (pharynx) between the tonsils and the (larynx). The most common cause of a sore throat is a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. A sore throat caused by a virus usually resolves on its own with herbal and home remedies.

A bacterial infection, a less common cause of sore throat may require additional treatment with antibiotic drugs. Bacteria that can cause pharyngitis in some cases.

•     Strep throat is caused by group A streptococcus.
•     Less commonly, bacteria such as gonorrhea, and chlamydia can cause sore throat.

Health warning: Always seek professional medical advice to determine the cause of a sore throat if you have a persistent high temperature above 38C (100.4F), which does not go down after taking medication or your symptoms do not improve within a week.