8 Types of Sore Throat & What They Mean

Key takeaways:

• Sore throats have many different causes, some more serious than others.
• You can treat most cases of a sore throat at home with basic care.
• Seek urgent medical attention if you experience a sore throat and are unable to fully open or close your mouth or have difficulty swallowing or breathing.

A sore throat is one of the most common health complaints, especially during cold and flu season. However, all sore throats are not the same; there are various types with different underlying causes, and each may require different treatment.

Understanding the type of sore throat you have can help you determine if it will get better on its own or if you need medical attention. In this article, we will explore some different types of sore throats, how to spot the differences, and how to know when you should speak with a healthcare provider.

Main types of sore throats and their meanings

All sore throats are not created equal—some point to infection, while others may be caused by irritation. Some types of sore throats resolve on their own, but others will require medication. Below are some of the main types of sore throats people experience.

1. Viral sore throat

Viral infections are the most common cause of a sore throat. Many different types of viruses can lead to a sore throat, including those responsible for the common cold, flu, mononucleosis (mono), and even COVID-19.

Symptoms include:

• A sore throat that comes on gradually
• Runny nose
• Cough
• Low-grade fever
• Fatigue
• Body aches
• Swollen lymph nodes

Viral sore throats are usually not serious and tend to improve on their own within 7-10 days. Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help manage symptoms like pain, swelling, and fever. If symptoms worsen or last longer than a week, you should speak with a doctor. 

Mono especially should be closely monitored as it can cause complications such as an enlarged spleen.

If you develop more severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, swallowing, or inability to fully open or close the mouth, you should go to the emergency department immediately..

2. Bacterial sore throat

The most common bacterial cause of sore throat is a type of streptococcus bacteria, commonly referred to as strep throat.

Symptoms include:

• Sudden, severe sore throat
• Pain with swallowing
• Red, swollen tonsils with white patches
• Red spots on the roof of the mouth
• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Rash
• Abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting

Infections like these don’t typically cause coughing, which can help distinguish them from viral infections.

Strep throat requires medical treatment with antibiotics to avoid complications such as rheumatic fever. If you suspect you have strep throat, it is important to prioritize seeing a doctor.

3. Oral thrush

Oral thrush, or oral candidiasis, is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of a type of yeast that lives in our bodies. It can lead to painful white patches in the mouth, throat, and esophagus. This condition is more common in people with weakened immune systems, those using certain medications (like antibiotics or inhaled corticosteroids), and people with diabetes.

Symptoms include:

• White patches on the tongue, in the mouth and throat
• Pain or soreness in the throat
• Difficulty and pain when swallowing
• Redness or soreness inside the mouth

Oral thrush is typically treated with topical antifungal medications. Severe cases may require oral or IV medications. If you notice white patches or persistent pain in your mouth or throat, you should speak with your doctor.

4. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

GERD is a condition where stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, irritating the lining of the throat. It is a common cause of sore throats, particularly after eating certain foods or drinks that can trigger acid reflux.

Symptoms include:

• A sore or scratchy throat
• Heartburn or indigestion
• A sour taste in the mouth
• Hoarseness
• Coughing, especially at night
• Pain with swallowing
• Chest discomfort

If GERD is the cause of your sore throat, lifestyle changes such as avoiding spicy foods, acid foods, caffeine, or alcohol, and taking acid-reducing medications can often help. If symptoms persist, your doctor may recommend prescription strength medication and tests to look for any damage to the esophagus.

5. Allergic sore throat

Allergies can cause dryness, irritation, and inflammation in the back of the throat. They can also cause post-nasal drip, which occurs when mucus from the sinuses runs down the back of the throat.

Symptoms include:

• A scratchy, sore throat that worsens in the morning
• A feeling of mucus dripping down the back of the throat
• Cough, especially at night
• Thick nasal discharge
• Congestion
• Sneezing
• Itchy eyes, nose, mouth

This type of sore throat is generally not serious and usually resolves when avoiding the allergen. For people with seasonal allergies, they may experience these symptoms until the season changes. Over-the-counter medications like antihistamines, nasal sprays, or nasal decongestants can help manage symptoms.

6. Laryngitis

Laryngitis refers to irritation and inflammation of the larynx, or voice box. The most common cause is a viral infection, but bacterial infections, GERD, allergies, and irritants or chemicals may also cause laryngitis.

Symptoms include:

• Hoarseness or loss of voice
• Sore throat or scratchy feeling
• Cough
• Mild fever (when caused by an infection)
• Difficulty speaking

Laryngitis typically resolves on its own within a few days to weeks. Voice rest and the use of a humidifier to soothe the vocal cords are helpful treatments.

7. Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils. Viral infections are the most common cause, but it may also be due to bacterial infections such as strep throat. This condition is more common in children than adults.

Symptoms include:

• Sore throat
• Difficulty and pain when swallowing
• Swollen, red tonsils
• Fever
• Bad breath
• Ear pain
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

If caused by a viral infection, tonsillitis will resolve on its own. However, severe cases with significant swelling may still require a visit to the doctor for evaluation.. If you are prone to tonsillitis infections or experience tonsillitis that doesn’t get better with antibiotics, your doctor may recommend a tonsillectomy.

8. Irritants or pollutants

A dry or irritated throat is often the result of environmental factors such as dry air, pollution, smoking, or second-hand smoke. This type of sore throat is also common for people with allergies, cigarette smokers, or those exposed to chemical fumes or dust.

Symptoms include:

• A dry, scratchy, or irritated feeling in the throat
• Mild pain or discomfort when swallowing
• Absence of symptoms like fever or aches seen with infections

In most cases, this type of sore throat is not serious and can be relieved with home remedies like gargling warm fluids and using a humidifier or air purifier. It typically resolves if you can remove the irritant causing the sore throat.

When to see a doctor about a sore throat

You can manage most causes of sore throat, with the exception of bacterial and fungal causes, with over-the-counter medications and home remedies. However, there are some signs and symptoms to look for that should lead you to see a healthcare provider.

You should see a doctor if:

• Your sore throat lasts more than a week.
• You have a fever (temperature over 101°F).
• You notice white patches or pus in your throat/on the tonsils.
• You have swollen lymph nodes or a rash.
• You have a sore throat and known exposure to someone with mono or strep throat.

You should go to the emergency room if:

• You are having difficulty breathing or swallowing due to swelling.
• You are unable to fully open or close your mouth or experience drooling.
• You are unable to move or turn your neck from side to side.

Questions to ask your doctor about a sore throat

• What could be causing my sore throat?
• Do all sore throats require treatment with antibiotics?
• I get recurrent sore throat infections. Does this mean I need a tonsillectomy?
• How can you tell the difference between mono and strep throat?

Final thoughts on sore throats: what’s to blame?

With endless possibilities as the potential causes of sore throats, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. From viral and bacterial infections to allergies, acid reflux, and environmental factors like air pollution, staying informed on how to distinguish one cause from the next is important.

While most sore throats heal on their own with proper rest and hydration, being aware of the signs and symptoms of more serious causes can help you get quick and timely treatment when needed. It’s often helpful to use over-the-counter medications and warm drinks to soothe discomfort, but if your sore throat lasts more than a week or comes with fever, severe swelling, or difficulty swallowing, speak with your healthcare provider right away.

General Medicine follows a strict editorial process, including using real experts to write our articles, vetted primary sources, fact-checking, a secondary medical review, and updates as necessary. This article was medically reviewed and fact checked by Dr. Jennifer Nadel, MD.

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “About Strep Throat.” CDC, 18 Apr. 2024, www.cdc.gov/group-a-strep/about/strep-throat.html. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.

Azer, Samy A., et al. “Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).” StatPearls, StatPearls Publishing, 1 May 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32119349/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Candidiasis Basics.” CDC, 14 May 2024, www.cdc.gov/candidiasis/about/index.html. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.

MedlinePlus. “Laryngitis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.” National Library of Medicine, 2015, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001385.htm. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.

MedlinePlus. “Tonsillitis.” National Library of Medicine, 2019, medlineplus.gov/tonsillitis.html. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.