Sore throat: strep throat, tonsillitis, pharyngitis — when to see a doctor
A sore throat is most often caused by viruses and clears up within a week along with the cold. If the pain is severe, the fever is high and swallowing is hard, do not put off seeing an ENT doctor or a general practitioner.
Common causes
- Viral infections — the most common cause: the throat becomes inflamed (pharyngitis), sometimes the tonsils too (tonsillitis)
- Strep throat — bacterial (streptococcal) inflammation of the throat and tonsils
- Dry air and throat irritation
- Voice strain
- Acid reflux from the stomach
- Allergy
When to seek urgent help
Do not wait for a scheduled visit if you have any of these signs:
- You cannot swallow even saliva and your voice sounds muffled — call 103
- Difficulty breathing, neck swelling
- High fever for more than 3 days with white patches on the tonsils
- Sore throat together with a rash
- Severe one-sided pain and difficulty opening the mouth
Ambulance: 103 (103 from a mobile) · Unified rescue service: 911
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What to bring to the visit
- A timeline of the illness: when it started, whether there was fever
- A list of medicines you have already taken
- Information about frequent tonsillitis in the past
- The child's vaccination record, if the visit is for a child
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if my throat hurts?
With a common cold, a sore throat usually clears up within a week. See a general practitioner or an ENT doctor if the pain is severe, the fever is high, there are white patches on the tonsils or you are no better after a week. If breathing is difficult or you cannot swallow even saliva, call 103.
Pharyngitis, tonsillitis, strep throat: what is the difference?
Pharyngitis is inflammation of the throat, usually viral; tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, often with white patches on them. Strep throat is the bacterial (streptococcal) form, and when tonsillitis keeps coming back, doctors speak of recurrent or chronic tonsillitis. Only a doctor can tell them apart on examination and decide whether you need an antibiotic.
White patches or pus on the tonsils: when is it urgent?
White patches or pus on the tonsils together with a fever are a reason to see a general practitioner or an ENT doctor without delay: the doctor will decide whether you need an antibiotic. It is urgent if a high fever lasts more than 3 days, severe one-sided pain stops you opening your mouth or your neck swells. If breathing is difficult or you cannot swallow even saliva, call 103.
Sore throat and painful swallowing but no fever — what could it be?
Without a fever, a sore throat is often caused by dry air, voice strain, acid reflux or an allergy, and a cold can also start this way. If it hurts mainly in the morning after sleep, dry air in the bedroom or acid reflux can be the cause. If the pain lasts more than a week or keeps coming back, see a general practitioner or an ENT doctor.
Do I need an antibiotic for a sore throat?
Usually not: viral infections are not treated with antibiotics. The doctor decides after an examination, sometimes after a rapid strep test.
ENT doctor or general practitioner?
For a common cold a general practitioner is enough. If your throat hurts often, there are patches or tonsil problems, see an ENT doctor.
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The information on this page is for reference only and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis in person. If your condition worsens, call 103.