A sore throat is one of the top five reasons people seek medical advice in the UK, leading to millions of consultations every year, according to the NHS. While many assume it is always caused by infection, there are several other reasons why your throat may feel irritated, scratchy, or painful. Understanding sore throat causes can help you decide whether it will settle on its own or if you need professional help.
What Are the Main Causes of a Sore Throat?
The causes of sore throat can vary. Not every sore throat is due to infection, and some are triggered by lifestyle or environmental factors.
Viral infections
The most frequent culprit is a viral infection, such as the common cold or flu. These usually clear within a week and are often accompanied by sneezing, a cough or a blocked nose.
Bacterial infections
Some sore throats are due to bacteria, such as group A streptococcus. This type can cause more severe pain, red swollen tonsils, or pus on the back of the throat. Unlike viral causes, bacterial infections may require antibiotics, which can only be supplied after proper assessment.
Irritants and allergies
Pollution, cigarette smoke, or even dust in the air can irritate the throat. Allergies to pollen or pets may also cause soreness, often alongside itchy eyes or sneezing.
Other causes
Dry air, acid reflux, or straining your voice can also leave your throat feeling sore without any infection being present.
How Do I Know if My Sore Throat Is an Infection?
Many people wonder, is a sore throat an infection, or could it be something else? Infections often bring additional symptoms such as fever, swollen glands, or white spots at the back of the throat. If you only have mild discomfort without these, it may not be caused by infection.
What Are the Symptoms of a Sore Throat That I Should Look Out For?
Sore throat symptoms and treatment depend on the underlying cause, but some common signs include:
- Pain or scratchiness when swallowing
- Swollen tonsils or glands in the neck
- A dry, tickly feeling in the throat
- Hoarseness or changes in your voice
Symptoms suggesting a viral cause
A runny nose, cough, or mild fatigue usually points to a viral sore throat.
Symptoms suggesting a bacterial cause
Severe pain, sudden fever, or pus on the tonsils may indicate a bacterial sore throat that needs assessment.
Symptoms linked to allergies or irritants
If your sore throat appears alongside itchy eyes or sneezing or after exposure to smoke, an allergy or irritant is more likely.
What Is the Difference Between Viral vs Bacterial Sore Throat?
A viral sore throat usually improves within a week without any treatment other than rest and simple remedies. Bacterial sore throats can linger or worsen and may need targeted medicine. Our pharmacists can advise you on whether further treatment is necessary and guide you to the right care.
How Can a Sore Throat Be Treated?
Sore throat treatment depends on what is causing your condition.
Self-care options
- Drinking warm fluids and keeping hydrated
- Using throat lozenges or sprays
- Resting your voice
- Avoiding smoky or dusty environments
Pharmacy support
Our pharmacists can recommend soothing remedies, throat sprays, or pain relief. They will also check whether your symptoms suggest something more serious.
When Should I Speak to a Pharmacist About a Sore Throat?
You should book an appointment if your sore throat lasts longer than a week, is very painful, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or difficulty swallowing. These signs may point to something more than a simple viral infection.
Get Trusted Throat Care at Touchwood Pharmacy
If you are unsure whether your sore throat is an infection or something else, our pharmacists are here to help. Book your appointment with our experts at Touchwood Pharmacy for personalised advice and support with sore throat symptoms and treatment.
FAQs
Can a sore throat be caused by allergies and not infection?
Yes, a sore throat can be triggered by allergies. Pollen, pet dander, or dust can irritate your throat and cause soreness without any infection being present.
How do I tell if my sore throat is viral or bacterial?
Viral sore throats often come with cold symptoms such as cough, runny nose, and fatigue. Bacterial sore throats usually cause sudden severe pain, fever, swollen tonsils, and sometimes white patches at the back of the throat.
Does acid reflux cause a sore throat even without a cold?
Yes, acid reflux can irritate the lining of your throat, leading to soreness and hoarseness. This type of sore throat is not linked to infection and may feel worse after lying down.
When should I worry about a persistent sore throat?
You should seek help if your sore throat lasts more than a week, is very painful, or comes with symptoms like high fever, rash, or difficulty swallowing. These may suggest something more serious.
Can smoking or pollution give me a sore throat?
Yes, smoke and polluted air are common sore throat causes. They irritate the throat lining and can make it feel dry and scratchy, even when no infection is present.
What treatment works best for a sore throat at home?
You can ease symptoms with warm fluids, lozenges, throat sprays, and rest. Our pharmacists can advise on the most suitable over-the-counter remedies based on your symptoms.
