A sore throat without congestion is commonly caused by pharyngitis, an infection in the pharynx, according to MedlinePlus 12. Pharyngitis is the most common reason people visit a family doctor, according to the Merck Manuals 12. A sore throat with congestion is commonly caused by allergies, postnasal drip or the common cold. A sore throat may be a sign of a serious medical condition requiring a doctor's evaluation. Before treating the sore throat, talk with a medical professional for proper diagnosis.

Causes

Pharyngitis is caused by bacteria or a virus that affects the back of the throat 12. The Merck Manual states that most cases of pharyngitis are the result of a virus 12. The virus or bacteria are transferred by human to human contact. For example, if someone with a virus coughs into his hands and then shakes another person’s hand, the virus may spread between the hands.

Symptoms

According to the Merck Manuals, the most common symptom of pharyngitis is a sore throat 12. It can be accompanied by a fever, joint pain, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, headache or skin rashes. The ears may experience pain because the ears and throat share the same nerves. The sore throat may lead to a tickle in the throat that produces a cough.

Treatment

MedlinePlus warns that the use of antibiotics will only help treat bacterial infections and will have no effect on viral infections 1. Drink cold beverages and warm liquids with honey and lemon to soothe the throat. Gargle warm salt water a few times a day, suck on hard candies and use a cool humidifier to add moisture to air. Some over-the-counter medications can be used to treat the symptoms, such as pain relievers and cough suppressants.

Time Frame and Additional Symptoms

Most sore throats go away on their own within a week. If a sore throat persists for more than a week, talk with a doctor. If a sore throat is accompanied with a fever, a rash or swollen lymph nodes, seek medical attention, as these can be signs of a more serious condition.

Complications

In rare cases, pharyngitis can lead to extreme swelling in the throat that can cut off a person’s ability to breathe, according to MedlinePlus 12. If someone becomes unconscious or appears pale in color, seek immediate medical attention.