Sore Throat (pharyngitis)

Canker sores in the mouth and on the tongue.

Sore throat is due to an inflammation of the tonsils (tonsillitis, discussed later), and of the mucous membrane that lines the pharynx. Both are associated with discomfort in swallowing and talking. Your throat will look red and feel raw, and you will frequently feel feverish.
The sore throat may be caused by a virus or any one of a number of bacteria, usually streptococcus or staphylococcus. Sore throat is part of the initial illness in measles, scarlet fever, and whooping cough. It is a symptom in leukemia and infectious mononucleosis, and may accompany such diseases as tuberculosis, syphilis, and cancer. When not accompanied by infection, sore throat may be the result of smoking tobacco, drinking hard liquor, drinking excessively hot fluids, or from using concentrated mouthwashes and antiseptic gargles.

What you can do. Apply hot water heating compresses for relief . Throat lozenges may provide some relief. Apply hot fomentations to the neck for twenty minutes two or three times a day. If you have a fever, stay in bed, and, despite the discomfort, drink plenty of water and go on a liquid diet (fluid intake should  be two to three quarts daily). If the soreness gets worse or persists for more than two or three days, consult your physician. If your sore throat is not due to and infection, remove the cause; for example, stop the use of tobacco or alcohol.

What your physician can do.
For an infection your physician will probably prescribe an antibiotic, especially for a streptococcal infection. If persists, tests can determine if the problem is more serious.