How Sore Throats Are Diagnosed?

Sore Throat: A Brief Overview

Before we get into the diagnostic procedures, here is a brief overview of a sore throat and its types.

Experts categorise this condition into three types, depending on the area impacted. They are:

• Pharyngitis

Pain, swelling and soreness are the main symptoms of this condition.

• Tonsillitis

When the tender tissue located at the back of your mouth is swollen or becomes red/sore, you are diagnosed with tonsillitis.

• Laryngitis

The larynx, or voice box, allows you to speak. When it becomes inflamed, swollen, or irritated, it can lead to laryngitis, often resulting in hoarseness or loss of voice.

The symptoms of a sore throat are:

• Dry and burning sensation in the throat

• Difficulty swallowing or eating

• Nasal congestion

• Flu-like symptoms

• Coughing and sneezing

• Body Pain

• Hoarseness in the voice

• Loss of appetite

• Swelling in the neck glands

How Are They Diagnosed?

Sore throats are accompanied by pain and a dry, itchy feeling in the throat. Doctors use different methods to diagnose this condition. They decide on the right sore throat treatment based on the causes and the area infected. Here are the diagnostic procedure:

• Talking to you in detail to understand the nature of your pain and your symptoms

• Physical examination of your throat and your neck to check symptoms like swelling, redness, inflammation, etc.

• Throat culture test, where a small sample of your throat swab is sent for testing; this will rule out other conditions like strep throat infection, COVID-19 and other viral/ bacterial infections

• A mono antibody test (referred to as a mononucleosis spot test) is recommended in case the above checks and tests are unclear; doctors rule out the condition of mononucleosis

• Further visits to an ENT or otolaryngologist as recommended by doctors to get to the root of the issue

Treatment Options

In most cases, sore throats don’t require medical treatment and tend to resolve within a week, especially when caused by viral infections. Since antibiotics are ineffective against viruses, they aren’t usually prescribed. However, if symptoms persist, over-the-counter sore throat medicine can help relieve pain and reduce fever. If a bacterial infection is diagnosed—such as strep throat—antibiotics may be necessary. It’s important to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms improve early. Stopping treatment too soon can lead to complications such as rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation, particularly in children.

Home Remedies and Self-Care Tips

Here are some effective home remedies for throat infection:

• Get plenty of rest and try to limit talking to avoid straining your throat.

• Stay hydrated by drinking water and healthy fluids. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks, as they can further dry out your throat.

• Gargle with warm salt water once or twice a day to ease irritation and reduce inflammation.

• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, or spend time in a steamy environment (like a sauna or hot shower) to relieve throat dryness.

• Suck on lozenges to soothe pain, but avoid giving them to children under four, as they can pose a choking hazard.

• Identify and avoid triggers such as smoke, chemicals, dry air, or acid reflux that may worsen your symptoms.

• Stay home if you have a sore throat or strep throat to prevent spreading infection and allow your body to heal properly.

Alternative Remedies and Cautions

Some people may turn to alternative options when home remedies for throat pain and antibiotics don't provide lasting relief. While these alternatives can offer short-term comfort, it's important to note that more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness. In some cases, they may also cause unwanted side effects. Common herbal ingredients used in such remedies include slippery elm, liquorice root, and marshmallow root—often found in teas, lozenges, sprays, or syrups. These herbs can help soothe the throat temporarily, but they are not suitable for children, pregnant women, or breastfeeding mothers, as they may pose health risks. Always consult a healthcare provider before trying new treatments.