Throat Infection

What can cause a throat infection?

Most sore throats are caused by viruses, including those responsible for colds and flu. Viral infections usually improve as the immune system clears the infection.

Bacterial infections can also affect the throat. Group A Streptococcus causes strep throat, while other bacteria may occasionally be responsible.

Throat infections can involve different structures, including the larynx (voice box) and tonsils. Common conditions include:

• Viral pharyngitis
• Strep throat
• Tonsillitis
• Infectious mononucleosis (mono)
• Peritonsillar infection
• Other bacterial or fungal infections

Not every sore throat is caused by infection. Allergies, acid reflux, postnasal drainage, dry air, and vocal strain can produce similar effects.

What symptoms might a throat infection cause?

Throat infection symptoms may include:

• Throat pain
• Redness
• Swollen tonsils
• Painful swallowing
• Fever
• Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck
• White patches on the tonsils

Viral infections may also cause coughing, nasal congestion, hoarseness, or watery eyes. Strep throat more often causes sudden throat pain, fever, and painful swallowing without typical cold symptoms.

An examination and, when appropriate, a rapid strep test or throat culture can determine whether Group A Streptococcus is present.

How are throat infections treated?

Treatment depends on the cause. Viral throat infections don’t respond to antibiotics and usually improve with fluids, rest, pain relief, and other supportive measures.

Confirmed strep throat and certain other bacterial infections require antibiotics. Completing the prescribed course helps clear the infection and reduces the risk of complications.

Recurrent tonsillitis may need further ENT assessment. In some cases, frequent or severe infections can lead to consideration of tonsil surgery, depending on how often episodes occur and how significantly they affect your health.

When should I seek medical attention for throat symptoms?

An ENT evaluation may be useful when infections keep returning, symptoms last longer than expected, or swallowing problems persist after the infection clears.

Seek urgent medical care for:

• Difficulty breathing
• Inability to swallow liquids
• Drooling
• Severe dehydration
• Significant neck swelling
• Rapidly increasing throat pain

Severe one-sided pain, a muffled voice, or difficulty opening the mouth can sometimes indicate a peritonsillar abscess, which requires prompt treatment.

If you experience persistent or recurring throat infections, contact the Ear, Nose, Throat, and Sinus Center of South Florida to schedule an evaluation. Call the office or request an appointment online today.