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Sore Throat

General Information

Sore throat is one of the most common reasons patients go to the doctor's office.
The medical term for a throat infection is pharyngitis or tonsillo-pharyngitis.

Causes of Sore Throat

Colds: Most sore throats are from a cold or other viral infection. The presence of a cough, hoarseness or nasal symptoms points to a cold or viral infection as the cause of the sore throat.
Strep Throat: In adults, approximately 10-20% of sore throats are caused by the streptococcus (strep) bacteria. Streptococcal pharyngitis is the only commonly occurring bacteria for which antibiotic therapy is definitely indicated.
Mono: Infectious mononucleosis is primarily seen in young adults, causing 5-10% of the sore throats in that population. It should be suspected in young adults with fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and a negative strep throat culture. A blood test called a "monospot" can help make the diagnosis. There is no antibiotic treatment
Other common causes include dry air, smoking, post-nasal drip and yelling. Sexually transmitted diseases (e.g., gonorrhea) can also cause pharyngitis.