Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

beginning of content

Sore throat (pharyngitis)

8-minute read

Key facts

  • A sore throat, or pharyngitis, is when the throat is red, swollen and painful, especially when you swallow.
  • The most common cause of a sore throat is a virus, but some sore throats are caused by the bacteria streptococcus pyogenes — this is a 'group A streptococcus', sometimes called 'strep A'.
  • There is no way to cure a sore throat that is caused by a virus.
  • If the sore throat is caused by bacteria, you may benefit from antibiotics.
  • Sometimes, when the sore throat is caused by strep A, complications can occur, including an abscess at the back of your throat, rheumatic fever and problems with your kidneys.

What is a sore throat?

A sore throat, or pharyngitis, is when your throat is red, swollen and painful, especially when you swallow. It happens when the back of the throat, called the pharynx, is inflamed.

Sore throats are very common in children.

What symptoms are related to a sore throat?

A sore throat is pain or a scratchy sensation in the throat which may worsen with swallowing or talking. It may be difficult to swallow. The throat might also be red, with white patches or streaks of pus. If the sore throat is caused by a cold virus, you may also have a runny nose, cough, possibly fever and feel very tired.

Children with a sore throat may eat less than usual.

If the sore throat is caused by an infection with streptococcal bacteria, (strep throat) other symptoms may include:

  • swollen lymph nodes (glands) in the neck
  • swollen red tonsils
  • rash
  • fever
  • abdominal (tummy) pain
  • vomiting

What causes a sore throat?

The most common cause of a sore throat is an infection from a virus, such as a cold or the flu, COVID-19 or glandular fever.

Less than 1 in 3 sore throats is caused by a bacterial infection. Some sore throats are caused by the bacteria streptococcus pyogenes (strep A). This is sometimes called 'strep throat'. If your sore throat is caused by bacteria, you may feel very unwell.

Sometimes a sore throat can be caused by tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils), mouth ulcers or allergies.

How is the cause of a sore throat diagnosed?

If you or your child has a sore throat and you are worried about the symptoms, see your doctor.

The doctor will look at your throat with a torch and feel your neck for swollen glands. They may take a throat swab to try and find the cause of infection. Swabs can test for a range of viruses and bacteria.

When should I see my doctor?

Usually, sore throats go away without treatment in 2 to 7 days.

You should see your doctor if your child:

  • has a sore throat lasting longer than 2 days
  • is drinking poorly, longer than 1 day
  • has difficulty swallowing
  • is snoring more when they're asleep
  • has large tender lumps in their neck
  • has a new skin rash, or bruising
  • has ear pain

When to seek urgent care

Seek immediate medical help if you or your child:

  • have trouble breathing, or have fast, noisy breathing
  • have a stiff or swollen neck (rather than throat pain)
  • have a rash that does not fade when the skin is pressed
  • are very drowsy
  • have cold or discoloured hands and/or feet, with a warm body
  • have pain in your arms and/or legs
  • your lips, or the skin around your lips, are an unusual colour (pale or blue)

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

How is a sore throat treated?

There is no way to cure a sore throat caused by a virus. Most sore throats will get better without treatment in 2 to 7 days.

Self-care at home

These self-care remedies may help you feel better, such as:

  • rest
  • staying well hydrated by drinking plenty of water
  • drinking hot water with honey and lemon
  • gargling with warm salty water
  • eating soft foods like yoghurt, soup, ice cream, ice blocks or jelly
  • avoiding foods that cause pain when you swallow

If you have an existing medical condition, check with your doctor about how much water and fluid is right for you.

Smoking or breathing in other people's smoke can make symptoms worse. Try to avoid being around people who are smoking. If you are a smoker, try to cut down or quit. For advice on quitting smoking, visit the Quit Now website.

Find out more about self-care tips on what to do if you have a high temperature (fever).

Medicines for a sore throat

Pain relief medicines can ease the symptoms of a sore throat.

Adults and children older than one month can take paracetamol, and adults and children older than 3 months can take ibuprofen. Do not give aspirin to children under 16 years.

If the sore throat is caused by bacteria, you may benefit from antibiotics.

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has developed a guide which can be used with your doctor to help you decide whether to use antibiotics when you or your child has a sore throat.

Other over-the-counter medicines might help, such as lozenges or throat gargles that contain local anaesthetic. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is best to avoid products that contain iodine. Your pharmacist can give you more information.

Can a sore throat be prevented?

Sore throats are very common and can't always be prevented. You can help prevent sore throats by doing your best to stay healthy, including:

  • washing your hands well and often
  • covering your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing
  • keeping people with strep throat, out of school, childcare and work until they have been taking antibiotics for 24 hours and feel well
  • not sharing eating utensils, food or drinks
  • throwing away used tissues appropriately

Complications of a sore throat

Most sore throats go away without treatment and don't cause complications. Sometimes, when the sore throat is caused by strep A, complications can occur.

One complication is an abscess (a pocket of pus), which develops next to the tonsils or in the back of the throat.

Another complication is rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can develop after the sore throat has gone away. You may have fever, joint pain, rash, inflammation of the heart and other symptoms.

You may also develop problems with your kidney after having a strep infection.

Resources and support

To find out more information on the signs, causes, diagnosis and treatment of sore throats, visit:

Call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) for more information and advice. A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If your child is 5 years or younger, you can also call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby on 1800 882 436 for advice, support and guidance from our maternal child health nurses.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: June 2023


Back To Top

Need more information?

These trusted information partners have more on this topic.

Top results

Sore throat: children & teens | Raising Children Network

Sore throats are common. If your child has a sore throat, it’s wise to take your child to the GP. A sore throat is sometimes called pharyngitis.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

Streptococcal infection - group A - Better Health Channel

Streptococcal infection ? group A can cause sore throats (pharyngitis), scarlet fever or impetigo (school sores).

Read more on Better Health Channel website

Sore throat: self-care - myDr.com.au

A sore throat makes swallowing difficult and painful. Sore throat is common because it is associated with the common cold. Find out what products are available for sore throat.

Read more on MyDoctor website

Sore throat - myDr.com.au

Sore throats: symptoms, causes, tests and when you should seek medical advice.

Read more on MyDoctor website

Sore throat treatments - myDr.com.au

Find out about sore throat treatments including self-help measures, painkillers, lozenges, and when antibiotics are needed.

Read more on MyDoctor website

Streptococcal sore throat | SA Health

Streptococcal sore throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils caused by Streptococcus pyogenes.

Read more on SA Health website

Sore throat: what you need to know - myDr.com.au

Most of us know what a sore throat feels like - pain or irritation in your throat that’s often worse when you swallow.

Read more on MyDoctor website

Sore throat: should I take antibiotics? | Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care

Sore throat: should I take antibiotics? Downloads Sore throat: should I take antibiotics? For more information Decision support tools for specific conditions Publication year 2023 Resource type Guide, user guide or guidelines Topics Antimicrobial resistance, use and stewardship Health conditions, diseases and treatments

Read more on Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care website

Difficulty swallowing or dysphagia: kids | Raising Children Network

When children have difficulty swallowing, it’s usually because of a sore throat. See a GP if you’re worried. Difficulty swallowing is also called dysphagia.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) – nose, throat & lungs

Learn what you can do about respiratory tract infections (RTIs) - from colds, flu and sore throat to pneumonia.

Read more on NPS MedicineWise website

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Queensland Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.