Sore Throat

Alternate Names : Pharyngitis

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Avoiding irritation of the throat can sometimes prevent a sore throat.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Untreated strep throat may lead to rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is an inflammation of the joints and the heart resulting from a streptococcal infection. Some types of sore throat may cause difficulty breathing due to swelling, or the formation of abscesses.

What are the risks to others?

A sore throat caused by Group A streptococcus is contagious. A sore throat caused by a sexually transmitted disease also contagious.