Sore Throat

Most sore throats are caused by viruses and usually get better on their own within about a week. Rest, warm fluids and warm salt-water gargles can help relieve symptoms. See a doctor if your sore throat lasts more than a week, you have a high fever, or you have difficulty swallowing or breathing.

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Medically reviewed byDr. Harnish, MBBS

Last updated: 23 September 2026

Emergency: When a sore throat needs urgent care Interactive symptom check What is a sore throat?Symptoms What causes a sore throat?Viral vs bacterial sore throat How long does a sore throat last?Sore throat home remedies that help What not to do Which medicines are safe?When to see a doctor Can a sore throat be assessed online?Prevention Related Conditions A note from the doctor Sore Throat FAQs

Emergency: When a sore throat needs urgent care

Most sore throats are not emergencies. However, get urgent medical help if you have:

Trouble breathing, or a high-pitched sound when breathing in
Drooling or being unable to swallow saliva
Unable to open your mouth fully
Severe pain on one side of the throat, especially with swelling
Swelling of the neck or face
Severe difficulty swallowing or rapidly worsening symptoms

Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department. These symptoms can sometimes indicate a more serious throat or airway problem and should not be managed at home.

How many days have you had it?

What is a sore throat?

A sore throat, medically known as pharyngitis, is an itchy, scratchy, painful or uncomfortable feeling at the back of your throat. It is very common and happens when the tissues lining the throat become irritated or inflamed. A sore throat can make it painful to swallow or talk. It is most commonly caused by a viral infection, but allergies, irritation, acid reflux and some bacterial infections can also cause it.

Anatomy of the throat showing the tonsils, tongue, uvula and pharynx — Anatomy of the throat — pharynx, tonsils, tongue and uvula

Symptoms

Main symptoms

Pain when swallowingYou may feel pain, burning or discomfort at the back of your throat when swallowing food, drinks or even saliva.

Scratchy throatYour throat may feel dry, rough, itchy or scratchy, especially when you wake up or talk for a long time.

Hoarse voiceInflammation around the throat and voice box can make your voice sound rough, weak, breathy or different from usual.

Red or swollen tonsilsThe tonsils may look red or swollen. In some infections, you may also notice white patches or spots on the tonsils.

Symptoms that often come with it

FeverA raised body temperature can occur with infections that cause a sore throat. A high fever can be a reason to speak with a doctor.

CoughA cough commonly occurs when a sore throat is part of a viral respiratory infection such as a cold.

Body acheSome viral infections can cause tiredness, muscle aches or general body pain along with a sore throat.

Swollen glands in the neckThe lymph nodes in your neck may become swollen or tender while your immune system responds to an infection.

What causes a sore throat?

A sore throat can have several causes. Viral infections are the most common, but bacterial infections and non-infectious conditions can also irritate the throat.

Viral infectionViruses that cause the common cold, flu and other respiratory infections are the most common causes of a sore throat. Cough, runny nose, sneezing or hoarseness often suggest that a virus may be responsible.

Bacterial infectionBacteria can also cause a sore throat. Group A Streptococcus, which causes strep throat, is an important bacterial cause. Bacterial sore throat can be associated with fever, painful swallowing, swollen tonsils and swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck.

TonsillitisTonsillitis happens when the tonsils become infected and inflamed. Both viruses and bacteria can cause tonsillitis.

AllergiesAllergies to pollen, dust mites, pets or mould can cause mucus to drip from the nose down the back of the throat (postnasal drip), which can irritate the throat.

Acid refluxAcid from the stomach can move back up into the food pipe and sometimes reach the throat, causing burning, irritation or a sore throat — particularly worse after meals or when lying down.

Overuse or irritantsYelling, screaming or talking for long periods can strain the throat. Smoke, tobacco, very spicy foods and other irritants can also make the throat sore.

Mouth breathingBreathing through your mouth, especially while sleeping, can dry the throat and cause irritation or soreness when you wake up.

Rarely, persistent throat symptoms can be related to other conditions, including growths in the throat or voice box. A sore throat that does not improve, keeps returning, or occurs with persistent hoarseness or a lump in the neck should be assessed by a doctor.

Viral vs bacterial sore throat

Viral and bacterial sore throats can look similar, so symptoms alone cannot always tell you which one you have.

	Usually viral	Possibly bacterial
Other symptoms	Cough, runny nose, hoarseness, sneezing	Fever, swollen lymph nodes, white patches
Onset	May develop along with cold symptoms	Can start suddenly
Cough	More common	Often absent with strep throat
Antibiotics?	No	Only when bacterial infection is confirmed or considered appropriate by a doctor

Most sore throats are viral. In adults, only around 1 in 10 sore throats are caused by strep throat; in children, it is around 3 in 10. A rapid strep test or throat culture may be needed when strep is suspected.

How long does a sore throat last?

Most viral sore throats improve by themselves and are usually better within about one week.

Day 1–2Throat irritation, scratchiness or pain may begin. You may also develop a cough, runny nose or fever.

Day 3–4If you've had a sore throat for 3 days, symptoms may still be noticeable, but many uncomplicated viral infections begin to settle.

Day 5–7The throat should generally start feeling better.

After 7 daysIf the sore throat is not improving, is getting worse, or keeps coming back, speak to a doctor.

The exact duration depends on the cause. Bacterial infections, tonsillitis, reflux and other conditions may need different treatment.

Home remedies for sore throat including warm tea with honey, salt water, throat lozenges, and turmeric milk — Simple home remedies — warm fluids, honey, salt-water gargles and lozenges can help soothe throat discomfort

Sore throat home remedies that help

Warm salt-water gargle

Gargling with warm salt water can soothe an irritated throat and may reduce discomfort. Mix about ½ teaspoon of salt in one glass (around 240 ml) of warm water, gargle and spit it out. Do not swallow the salt water.

Warm fluids and honey

Warm water, soup or tea can keep you hydrated and soothe an irritated throat. Honey may also help soothe cough and throat irritation. Do not give honey to children under 1 year of age.

Rest your voice

If talking makes your throat hurt, give your voice a break. Avoid shouting, prolonged talking and repeated throat-clearing while your throat is irritated.

Steam or a humidifier

Dry air can make a sore throat feel worse. A clean humidifier or cool-mist vaporizer can add moisture to the air and may make the throat feel more comfortable.

Lozenges

Throat lozenges or hard candies can temporarily soothe throat irritation. Do not give hard candies or lozenges to young children who may choke on them. Follow the age instructions on the product.

Traditional Indian options

Haldi doodhWarm milk with turmeric is commonly used at home for throat discomfort. It may feel soothing, but there is not strong evidence that turmeric milk treats the underlying cause of a sore throat.

Tulsi-ginger kadhaTulsi and ginger are traditional Indian ingredients often used in warm drinks during colds. They may feel soothing and help with fluid intake, but they should not be considered a proven treatment for a throat infection.

MulethiMulethi (licorice) is traditionally used for throat discomfort. Evidence for its use in routine sore throat treatment is limited, and excessive or prolonged use can cause side effects and may interact with some medicines.

These traditional remedies can be used for comfort when appropriate, but they should not replace medical assessment when symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening.

What not to do

Avoid these common mistakes when you have a sore throat:

Don't start antibiotics on your own. Most sore throats are viral, and antibiotics do not treat viral infections.
Don't smoke or stay around cigarette smoke. Smoke can further irritate your throat.
Don't force yourself to eat very spicy foods if they increase the burning or pain.
Don't force very cold foods or drinks if they make your symptoms worse.
Don't ignore difficulty breathing or swallowing. These symptoms need urgent medical attention.

Which medicines are safe?

Medicines can help control pain and fever, but the right medicine depends on your age, health conditions, other medicines you take and the cause of the sore throat. Paracetamol can help reduce pain and fever — do not take more than the recommended amount, and check combination cold medicines so that you do not accidentally take paracetamol twice. Some lozenges and throat sprays can temporarily relieve throat pain. Since most sore throats are caused by viruses, taking antibiotics when they are not needed will not make you recover faster. If a doctor suspects or confirms a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be recommended. Talk to a doctor before taking medicines if you are pregnant, have liver or kidney disease, take regular medicines, or are giving medicine to a child.

When to see a doctor

Book a routine consultation if:

Your sore throat lasts more than a week
Your sore throats keep coming back
You have a fever above 38.3°C (101°F)
You notice white patches or pus on the tonsils
You develop a rash
You have ear pain
You have a weakened immune system
Your symptoms are getting worse instead of better
You develop persistent hoarseness or a lump/swelling in the neck

Can a sore throat be assessed online?

Yes, some sore throats can be assessed online — but an online consultation cannot replace an in-person examination when red flags are present or a throat test is needed. During an online consultation, a doctor can ask about your symptoms, how long they have lasted, fever, swallowing difficulty, cough, recent exposures, medical history and other warning signs. If your symptoms suggest that you may need a physical examination, throat swab or urgent care, the doctor can guide you accordingly.

Prevention

You can reduce your risk of infections that cause sore throat by:

Washing your hands regularly
Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
Avoiding sharing utensils, cups and bottles with someone who is ill
Covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
Avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke
Staying hydrated
Getting enough rest

A note from the doctor

“In my clinic, most sore throats I see are caused by viral infections and settle with rest, fluids and simple symptom relief. What worries me are symptoms such as difficulty breathing or swallowing, significant swelling, severe one-sided pain, or a sore throat that is not improving. Those symptoms deserve a proper medical assessment rather than self-treatment.”

— Dr. Harnish, MBBS

Sore Throat FAQs

Is a sore throat always an infection?

No. A sore throat is often caused by a viral infection, but it does not always mean you have an infection. Allergies, postnasal drip, acid reflux, dry air, mouth breathing, smoking and voice strain can also irritate the throat. The cause matters because treatment depends on what is causing the symptoms.

Do I need antibiotics for a sore throat?

Usually not. Most sore throats are caused by viruses, which do not respond to antibiotics. Antibiotics may be needed when a bacterial infection such as group A strep is confirmed or considered likely by a doctor. Taking antibiotics unnecessarily can cause side effects and contributes to antimicrobial resistance.

Can I have a sore throat without a fever?

Yes. A sore throat can occur without fever, especially with a common cold, allergies, postnasal drip, reflux or throat irritation. Fever is more common with some infections, but its absence does not by itself tell you whether your sore throat is viral or bacterial.

Is a sore throat a sign of COVID?

It can be. A sore throat may occur with COVID-19, but it is also common with many other respiratory infections, including the common cold and flu. A sore throat alone cannot tell you which infection you have. If you have symptoms or a known exposure, follow current testing and medical advice.

Can I take a sore throat medicine while pregnant?

Some medicines used for sore throat symptoms may be suitable during pregnancy, but not all medicines are appropriate. Speak with a doctor or pharmacist before taking a new medicine during pregnancy rather than choosing one based only on its being available over the counter.

Why does my throat hurt more in the morning?

Morning throat pain can happen because your throat becomes dry while you sleep. Mouth breathing from nasal congestion can contribute, and postnasal drip or acid reflux may also cause overnight irritation. If morning throat pain keeps happening, is severe, or comes with persistent hoarseness, speak with a doctor.

How can I soothe a sore throat at home?

Rest, drinking enough fluids, warm drinks, warm salt-water gargles and throat lozenges can help relieve discomfort. A clean humidifier may also help if the air is dry. Avoid smoking and other throat irritants. If symptoms become severe, last more than a week or you develop difficulty breathing or swallowing, seek medical care.

When should I worry about a sore throat?

Seek urgent care if you have difficulty breathing, cannot swallow saliva, are drooling, cannot open your mouth properly, or develop significant swelling of the neck or face. For less urgent concerns, see a doctor if the sore throat lasts more than a week, keeps returning, is associated with a high fever, rash or ear pain, or is getting worse.

Get a doctor to review your sore throat

A registered doctor will ask about your symptoms, duration, fever, and warning signs — then advise you on whether home care is safe or you need further assessment.

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Medical References

1. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India — National Treatment Guidelines for Antimicrobial Use in Infectious Diseases. 2. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare — Standard Treatment Guidelines: Pharyngitis. 3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — Sore Throat Basics, 2024. 4. CDC — About Strep Throat, 2026. 5. CDC — Testing for Strep Throat or Scarlet Fever, 2025. 6. World Health Organization (WHO) — Guideline on the management of sore throat/pharyngitis, 2025. 7. MedlinePlus — Pharyngitis: Sore Throat, reviewed 2025.