If you have a sore throat that lasts more than 5-10 days and is not associated with any allergy or irritation, we advise you to see a doctor. You should also keep a lookout for the following symptoms: 

• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing 
• Difficulty opening your mouth
• Severe and prolonged sore throat 
• Earache 
• Fever 
• Blood in your saliva or phlegm 
• Swelling of the face and neck 
• Sore throat that’s frequently recurring 
• Lump in your neck 
• Hoarseness for over 2 weeks 

Potential causes of a sore throat include: 

Viruses 

Sore throats often come as a symptom of viral infections, including the flu, colds and mononucleosis. Apart from a sore throat, other symptoms include swollen glands in the neck [link to neck lumps page], fever, chills and headache. 

Allergies 

If you have allergic rhinitis or are allergic to allergens like pollens, animal dander and house dust, a sore throat may be an accompanying symptom when your allergies flare up. 

Irritation 

Dehydration, pollutants and straining your voice are examples of irritations that can cause a sore throat. For teachers and singers especially, prolonged voice use and straining their voice is quite common. We call this “Singer’s Nodules” or “Screamer’s Nodules”. This can be treated with voice rest, vocal hygiene and regular hydration. Use of a microphone to avoid straining the voice may also be helpful. 

Throat cancer/tumours 

Tumours of the larynx (voice box), throat and tongue can cause a sore throat and hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, lump in the neck and blood in the phlegm. Throat cancer (laryngeal cancer) can also be a cause.