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Sore throat (pharyngitis)
8-minute read
Key facts
- A sore throat (pharyngitis) is when the throat is red, swollen and painful.
- A sore throat may occur with other symptoms, such as cough, fever, swollen glands or white patches in the throat.
- Most sore throats are caused by viruses, but they can also be caused by bacteria and fungi.
- A sore throat will usually get better on its own, but sometimes you may need treatment with antibiotics.
- In some people, complications such as ear infections or rheumatic fever may happen if bacterial throat infections aren't treated.
What is a sore throat?
A sore throat (pharyngitis) is when your throat is red, swollen and painful, especially when you swallow. It happens when the back of your throat, called the pharynx, is inflamed.
Sore throats are common in both children and adults.
What causes a sore throat?
A common cause of sore throat is an infection from a virus, such as:
Sometimes, a sore throat is caused by bacterial infections, especially a type called 'group A strep'. This is also called 'strep throat'.
Sore throats may also be caused by fungal infections. This usually happens in people with a weakened immune system.
What symptoms are related to a sore throat?
A sore throat usually means you feel pain or discomfort in your throat. This may worsen when you swallow. It often comes with a fever.
These symptoms usually peak within 3 to 5 days and get better by day 10.
Other symptoms may depend on the cause of your sore throat.
Viral infection
You may also have:
- a cough
- a runny nose
- diarrhoea
- tiredness
- conjunctivitis (red, sticky or watery eyes)
- swelling and redness at the back of your throat
Bacterial infection
You may also have:
- nausea and vomiting
- a headache
- abdominal (tummy) pain
- swollen lymph nodes (glands) in your neck
- muscle pain or joint pain
- red spots on the roof of your mouth or pus on your tonsils
- a rash
Fungal infection
You may also have:
- loss of taste
- a numb feeling in your mouth
- white patches or plaques at the back of your throat
- smooth red areas inside your mouth
- cracks or soreness in the corners of your mouth
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
How is the cause of a sore throat diagnosed?
Your doctor will look at your throat and may feel your neck for swollen glands.
They may take a throat swab to try to find the cause of infection. Swabs can test for a range of viruses and bacteria.
When should I see my doctor?
You should see your doctor if you or your child:
- have a sore throat that lasts more than a few days, or is getting worse
- have a fever (temperature over 38°C)
- feel very unwell
- have large tender lumps in their neck
- develop new or more serious symptoms
Also see your doctor if you are worried about your or your child's symptoms.
When to seek urgent care
Seek medical help straight away if you or your child:
- have trouble breathing
- have severe pain
- have difficulty swallowing
- have neck stiffness
- show signs of severe infection, such as a high fever, extreme tiredness or confusion
- have a weakened immune system or other serious health conditions and develop a sore throat
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
How is a sore throat treated?
Treatment depends on what's causing your sore throat.
A sore throat that is caused by a virus will usually get better on its own within about 10 days. If your pain is caused by bacteria, such as strep throat, you might need antibiotics to prevent complications.
Self-care at home
You can manage most sore throats with self-care at home. Here are some tips that may help:
- Get plenty of rest.
- Drink plenty of water to stay well hydrated.
- Gargle with warm water and salt.
- Avoid things that irritate your throat, such as smoke or foods that may cause pain when you swallow.
- Do not strain your voice, for example by singing or talking loudly.
Find out more about self-care tips on what to do if you have a high temperature (fever).
Medicines for a sore throat
Pain relief medicine may help ease the symptoms of a sore throat.
If your sore throat is caused by bacteria, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
Antifungal medicines may also be prescribed for fungal throat infections.
Other over-the-counter medicines might help, such as lozenges or throat gargles. They may give mild pain relief by numbing the throat.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for more information on medicines for a sore throat. You can also read more about medicines for children.
LOOKING FOR A MEDICINE? — To search by brand name or active ingredient, use the Medicines information search feature.
Complications of a sore throat
Sometimes complications can happen, especially if your sore throat is caused by a bacterial infection and is not treated properly.
Complications may include:
- ear or sinus infections
- an abscess (a pocket of pus), which develops next to the tonsils or in the back of the throat
- rarely, a blood clot or meningitis
- rheumatic fever
- kidney problems
ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? The Pain Question Planner can help you create a list of questions for your doctor.
Can a sore throat be prevented?
Sore throats are common and can't always be prevented. You can lower your chances of getting one. Here are some ways to help prevent a sore throat:
- Wash your hands well and often.
- Teach your children to cover their nose and mouth when they sneeze or cough.
- Don't share eating utensils, food or drinks with others.
- Throw away used tissues in a bin with a lid.
Read more about when to keep your child home from day care or school.
If your sore throat is caused by bacteria, treating it early may help prevent complications.
Resources and support
To find out more information on the signs, causes, diagnosis and treatment of sore throats, visit:
- SA Health — for information on the treatment and prevention of streptococcal sore throat.
- The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network — for tips on what to do when your child complains of a sore throat.
- Safer Care Victoria — for a fact sheet on tonsillitis and pharyngitis.
For children up to 5 years old, you can call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available from 7 am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week (including public holidays).
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Languages other than English
Multicultural Health Communication Service offers translated information on topics, including:
Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet offers information on influenza (flu) for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.