Pharyngitis (Sore Throat): Signs, Symptoms & When to Seek Care

A sore throat—also called pharyngitis—can be caused by strep throat, tonsillitis, or a viral upper respiratory infection. Each has different symptoms.

Strep Throat

• Sudden severe sore throat

• Pain with swallowing

• Fever

• Swollen lymph nodes

• No cough or congestion

Tonsillitis

• Red, swollen tonsils

• White patches or spots on the tonsils

• Ear pain

• Bad breath

• Fever or chills

Viral Upper Respiratory Illness

• Sore throat with cough, congestion, or runny nose

• Hoarse voice

• Mild fever

• Symptoms often improve within a few days

When to Seek Medical Care

• Fever or swollen glands

• White patches on the tonsils

• Trouble swallowing

• Symptoms lasting more than 3–5 days

• Exposure to someone with strep

• Exposure to someone with strep

• Rash, dehydration, or persistent high fever

• Symptoms in children

Wellmetry Health provides fast, convenient telehealth evaluation and treatment for sore throat and pharyngitis.