Symptoms of Sore Throat

Sore throats, also referred to as pharyngitis, may be caused by infections, allergies or lifestyle factors such as smoking, drinking or prolonged yelling. Fortunately, the symptoms of a sore throat can often be treated at home with hydration, lozenges and pain relievers.

Difficulty Swallowing

• Difficulty swallowing food and beverages is often an early symptom of a sore throat, and babies with sore throats may refuse the bottle or breast.

Dryness

• People with a sore throat may notice a feeling of dryness or scratchiness, and may describe the feeling as a "tickle" or a "frog" in the back of the throat.

Hoarseness

• Sore throats that are irritated and inflamed may cause people to develop a hoarse or raspy voice, which can make speaking difficult.

Mucus

• Excessive mucus running down the back of the throat may develop in people with a sore throat, and the mucus may cause a bad taste and abnormal sensations in the mouth.

Pain

• People with a sore throat may notice pain when breathing or talking, and the neck and lymph nodes may be sore or tender to the touch.

Swelling

• Swelling and redness inside of the throat and mouth may develop in people with sore throats, and the inflammation may extend into the tonsils and lymph nodes in the neck.