One of the most common reasons adults and children visit an ENT clinic in Singapore.
A sore throat is usually caused by infection or inflammation of the throat tissues. While most cases are mild, persistent or severe sore throat may indicate bacterial infection, tonsillitis, reflux, allergies, or underlying airway issues. Early evaluation helps prevent complications and ensures proper recovery.
At Aurion ENT & Hearing Centre, Dr Liu Jiaying assesses and treats throat infections, recurrent sore throat, and related conditions in both adults and children.
What causes a sore throat?
A sore throat occurs when the throat lining becomes inflamed due to:
Infections
- Viral infections (most common)
- Bacterial infections (e.g., strep throat)
- Tonsillitis
- Infectious mononucleosis
Non-infectious causes
- Acid reflux (laryngopharyngeal reflux)
- Nose allergies and postnasal drip
- Dry air or irritants (smoke, pollution)
- Voice strain
- Dehydration
Identifying the cause helps guide the correct treatment.
What are the symptoms of throat infection?
Common symptoms include:
- Sore or scratchy throat
- Pain when swallowing
- Fever
- Swollen tonsils
- White or yellow patches (if bacterial)
- Hoarseness
- Swollen neck lymph nodes
- Postnasal drip
- Cough (especially at night)
Symptoms in children:
- Refusal to eat
- Drooling (if swallowing is painful)
- Irritability
- Snoring or mouth breathing (if tonsils are enlarged)
Seek medical care if symptoms persist beyond a few days, worsen, or affect swallowing.
Is my sore throat viral or bacterial?
Most sore throats are viral, meaning antibiotics are not required.
Signs of viral infection:
- Gradual onset
- Runny nose, cough, or sneezing
- Mild fever
- Diffuse redness
Signs of possible bacterial infection (e.g., strep):
- Sudden, severe pain
- High fever
- Enlarged tonsils with pus spots
- Very tender neck lymph nodes
- No cough
A throat examination or swab helps determine whether antibiotics are needed.
When should I see an ENT doctor for a sore throat?
Seek specialist assessment if you have:
- Sore throat lasting more than 3–5 days
- Recurring episodes of throat infection
- Painful swallowing or difficulty eating
- Hoarseness lasting more than 2 weeks
- One-sided throat pain
- Persistent fever
- Snoring or mouth breathing
- Suspected tonsillitis
- Suspected reflux-related throat irritation
Urgent review is needed for:
- Drooling
- Severe dehydration
- Difficulty opening the mouth
- Swelling around the neck or jaw
These may indicate a peritonsillar abscess, which requires immediate treatment.
How do ENT doctors diagnose throat infections?
Assessment may include:
1. Throat examination
To assess redness, swelling, tonsil condition, and lymph nodes.
2. Nasoendoscopy
A quick, painless procedure to examine deeper structures:
- Voice box
- Back of the nose
- Adenoids
- Signs of reflux or inflammation
3. Throat swab or culture
Used to confirm bacterial infection.
4. Reflux assessment
When symptoms suggest laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).
5. Allergy evaluation
If postnasal drip or chronic nasal inflammation contributes to symptoms.
What are the treatment options for sore throat?
(MOH-compliant)
1. Medications
- Pain relief
- Anti-inflammatory treatment
- Antibiotics (only if bacterial infection is confirmed or strongly suspected)
- Reflux medication if LPR is diagnosed
2. Supportive care
- Adequate hydration
- Warm fluids
- Saltwater gargles
- Humidifier use
- Rest
3. Managing underlying causes
- Nose allergy treatment
- Reflux management
- Addressing snoring or enlarged tonsils
4. Tonsillectomy
Considered if:
- Tonsillitis is recurrent
- Patient experiences sleep-disordered breathing
- Persistent throat infections affect quality of life
Sore Throat Symptom Checker (SGE Friendly)
A quick tool to help determine possible causes of your sore throat.
(Not a substitute for specialist evaluation.)
1. “My throat hurts when I swallow.”
Common with viral or bacterial throat infection.
2. “I have fever and swollen tonsils.”
Possible bacterial tonsillitis.
3. “I have a sore throat and runny nose.”
Likely viral infection or nose allergies with postnasal drip.
4. “My throat is sore in the morning.”
Could indicate mouth breathing, snoring, or reflux.
5. “I keep coughing at night.”
Possible postnasal drip from sinusitis or allergies.
6. “I have throat irritation without fever.”
Could be reflux, allergy, or environmental irritation.
7. “My child refuses to eat or drools.”
Possible tonsillitis — needs prompt medical review.
8. “My voice is hoarse for more than 2 weeks.”
ENT evaluation recommended to rule out cord irritation or other causes.
FAQ: Sore Throat & Throat Infection (Schema-Optimised)
What causes a sore throat?
A sore throat can result from viral or bacterial infections, allergies, reflux, or irritants such as smoke.
How do I know if I need antibiotics?
Antibiotics are needed only if bacterial infection is confirmed or strongly suspected based on symptoms or throat swab.
Can allergies cause a sore throat?
Yes. Postnasal drip from allergies can irritate the throat and cause chronic soreness.
Why does my throat hurt in the morning?
Common causes include snoring, mouth breathing, or reflux irritation.
When should I see an ENT doctor?
If sore throat persists >3–5 days, recurs frequently, causes swallowing difficulty, or comes with fever or enlarged tonsils.
Is sore throat contagious?
Viral and bacterial infections can be contagious, especially in the first few days.
Need relief from persistent sore throat or recurrent throat infections?
Aurion ENT provides comprehensive treatment for adults and children with throat infections, tonsillitis, and reflux-related throat irritation.
Aurion ENT & Hearing Centre – Farrer Park
- Adult ENT & Children ENT throat assessment
- Nasoendoscopy for accurate diagnosis
- Treatment for tonsillitis, sinus-related sore throat & reflux
- Personalised treatment plans
