A Sore Throat Without Congestion
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.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
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
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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.
- According to the Merck Manuals, the most common symptom of pharyngitis is a sore throat 1.
- The ears may experience pain because the ears and throat share the same nerves.
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.
- MedlinePlus warns that the use of antibiotics will only help treat bacterial infections and will have no effect on viral infections 1.
Time Frame and Additional Symptoms
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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.
Related Articles
References
- MedlinePlus: Pharyngitis
- Merck Manuals: Pharyngitis
- Addey D, Shephard A. Incidence, causes, severity and treatment of throat discomfort: a four-region online questionnaire survey. BMC Ear Nose Throat Disord. 2012;12:9. doi:10.1186/1472-6815-12-9.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Strep Throat: All You Need to Know
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fungal Diseases. Candida infections of the mouth, throat, and esophagus
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Inside. Could Your Sore Throat Be Caused by Acid Reflux?
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sore Throat
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pharyngitis (Strep Throat)
- Addey D, Shephard A. Incidence, Causes, Severity and Treatment of Throat Discomfort: A Four-Region Online Questionnaire Survey. BMC Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders. 2012;12:9. doi:10.1186/1472-6815-12-9.
- Engel ME, Stander R, Vogel J, Adeyemo AA, Mayosi BM. Genetic Susceptibility to Acute Rheumatic Fever: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Twin Studies. PLoS One. 2011; 6(9):1-6.
- Hildreth A, Takhar S, Clark M, Hatten B. Evidence-Based Evaluation And Management Of Patients With Pharyngitis In The Emergency Department. Emergency Medicine Practice. 2015: 15(9): 1-16.
- Renner B, Mueller CA, Shephard A. Environmental and Non-Infectious Factors in the Aetiology of Pharyngitis (Sore Throat). Inflammation Research. 2012;61(10):1041-1052. doi:10.1007/s00011-012-0540-9.
- Worrall G. Acute Sore Throat. Canadian Family Physician. 2011;57(7):791-794.
Writer Bio
Diane Marks started her writing career in 2010 and has been in health care administration for more than 30 years. She holds a registered nurse license from Citizens General Hospital School of Nursing, a Bachelor of Arts in health care education from California University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Science in health administration from the University of Pittsburgh.