A sore throat is the inflammation of the tonsils, usually caused by an infection, either bacterial or viral. When this inflammation extends to the entire pharyngeal mucus membrane (throat).

Sore Throat Symptoms

Pain in the throat with difficulty swallowing.

In rear cases Pain may spread to the ears.

The throat becomes reddish, the tonsils are swollen and may be coated.

You may run a high temperature.

Swollen lymph nodes under your jaw and in your neck may occur.

If the sore throat is due to a viral infection the symptoms are usually milder. Usually they are connected to the common cold.

If the sore throat is due to the Coxsackie virus, small blisters may develop on the tonsils and in the soft palate. The blisters erupt in a few days and are followed by a scab which may be very painful.

If the sore throat is due to a streptococcal infection, the tonsils often swell and become coated and the throat is sore.

The patient runs a temperature, has sour breath and may feel quite ill.