Sore Throat Symptoms

Sore throat symptoms include more than pain or scratchiness in your throat. Read on to learn what other symptoms are associated with a sore throat. Some common causes of sore throats include viruses, bacterial infections, colds and respiratory problems.

1. Pain. Obviously, one of the most common sore throat symptoms is pain in the area. Swallowing or breathing causes discomfort. Tenderness around the neck occurs as the lymph nodes swell. If the lymph nodes in your throat are inflamed, you will be able to feel them when you apply slight pressure to your neck and lower jaw.
2. Puss on the tonsils. If a bacterial or viral infection is responsible for your sore throat symptoms, you may notice puss on your tonsils. The area around your tonsils may appear overly red.
3. Drooling. Severely sore throats make swallowing difficult and painful. You may start drooling excessively or spit more often.
4. Difficulty breathing. In some cases, the throat swells so much that the air passages are obstructed. A normal stream of air cannot pass through the larynx and pharynx.
5. Fever. A sore throat is often accompanied by a fever. In some cases, the fever is a result of a virus, infection, flu or cold.
6. Feeling of discomfort. You may feel very ill if you have a sore throat. The cause of the discomfort is generally hard to pinpoint.
7. Nausea. Nausea and vomiting are sometimes part of your sore throat symptoms.
8. Hoarseness. Speaking may become difficult or you may lose your voice completely. Severe pain usually occurs when you attempt to talk.