A sore throat is an extremely common symptom, especially in children and young adults. Persistent sore throat in an elderly patient is a cause for concern, as it may indicate the presence of neoplasia.

Causes

Infective

  • ●

    Tonsillitis ( Fig. 56 )

    • ●

      Bacterial, e.g. streptococcus , gonococcus

    • ●

      Viral, e.g. glandular fever (infectious mononucleosis)

    Figure 56, Tonsillitis .

  • ●

    Pharyngitis/laryngitis

    • ●

      Viral

    • ●

      Fungal

  • ●

    Quinsy (peritonsillar abscess)

  • ●

    Measles (on the increase)

Inflammatory

  • ●

    Thyroiditis

Neoplastic

  • ●

    Carcinoma

    • ●

      Tonsil

    • ●

      Posterior third of the tongue

    • ●

      Larynx • (common in Far East including Hong Kong, Singapore)

  • ●

    Haematological disorders (e.g. lymphoma)

Neurological

  • ●

    Glossopharyngeal neuralgia

Referred pain

  • ●

    Angina

  • ●

    Oesophageal spasm

Other

  • ●

    Muscle strain

  • ●

    Tobacco

  • ●

    Allergy

  • ●

    Reflux oesophagitis

  • ●

    AIDS

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