Your sore throat: Tonsillitis, Pharyngitis, or Laryngitis?

Laryngitis is often caused by viruses, like the cold and flu.² Common laryngitis symptoms associated with respiratory illness include:^2,5

• Irritating cough
• Hoarseness
• A change in the sound of your voice (dysphonia) or the inability to speak (aphonia)
• Sore, dry, or tickly throat
• Difficulty swallowing

In most cases, these illnesses heal by themselves, meaning that laryngitis treatments are sometimes not required.² However, the symptoms can be eased by certain measures, including:^2,5

• Resting your voice.
• Not smoking and avoiding contact with smoke
• Inhaling steam to help with a blocked nose
• Avoiding whispering as this may strain your voice.

So, what is the difference between pharyngitis vs laryngitis? Both are often caused by cold and flu viruses.^2,4,5 Laryngitis specifically refers to an inflammation of the voice box (larynx), while pharyngitis refers to an inflammation at the back of the throat (pharynx).^1,2

Pharyngitis symptoms typically include:^1,4

• Fever
• Painful swollen glands
• Throat redness
• Pain which can radiate into the ear

If the pharyngitis is viral, symptoms often include:^1,4

• Coughing
• Runny nose
• Headache
• Feeling tired

These symptoms always depend on the illness that’s causing the throat inflammation.^1,4 Furthermore, it is important to look out for any signs indicating that it is advisable to see a doctor, for example, a high fever or a rash.¹

In each case, if in doubt, it is advisable to see a doctor to determine the cause of the illness.

As with laryngitis, pharyngitis treatments comprise of a few home remedies.¹ These include:¹

• Gargling with warm, salty water or drinking hot water with honey and lemon to help ease a scratchy throat.
• Drinking plenty of water to stay well hydrated.
• Soft foods such as warm soups, yoghurts or jelly are recommended to avoid unnecessary pain when swallowing.
• Avoiding smoking or breathing in other people’s smoke, as it can further aggravate pharyngitis.
• Resting and avoiding heavy activity until your symptoms resolve.

Tonsillitis occurs when your tonsils become infected.³ A viral infection is also the most common cause of tonsilitis.³ Common tonsillitis symptoms include:^3,8,9

• White or yellow spots on the tonsils
• Bad breath
• Feeling tired and unwell
• Swollen lymph nodes below each side of the jaw
• Pain in the ears
• Fever
• Difficulty swallowing
• Loss of appetite

Tonsillitis treatments include rest, sufficient fluid intake and taking medication that eases pain, inflammation and a sore throat associated with the infection.^3,8,9

• Drink plenty of fluids to keep the throat lubricated and prevent dehydration; icy poles are a good option as they provide extra fluid as well as numb the sore throat.^3,8,9
• Cold, soft foods like ice cream, jelly or ice blocks can help soothe the sore throat.^3,8,9
• Rest is important for your body to recover as quickly as possible.^3,9
• Gargling warm salt water may help.³
• Avoid substances that irritate the throat such as cigarette smoke.³

Strepsils^® offers a range of sore throat medications to help relieve your sore throat including:

• Strepsils Extra Lozenges: have antibacterial and anaesthetic action to provide rapid relief from painful inflamed sore throats.
• Strepsils Plus Anaesthetic Lozenges: have double antibacterial action to relieve sore throats, plus anaesthetic action* to numb the throat. Also available in a throat spray .
• Strepfen^® Lozenges: contain an anti-inflammatory for relief of pain, swelling and inflammation associated with painful sore throats. Also available in a  throat spray.

Sore throats will generally heal on their own with the help of the body's own defence.⁴ In some cases, it can help to take anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving and antipyretic medication to ease symptoms.¹

It is recommended to see your doctor if you have a sore throat and:¹

• Have difficulty breathing
• Have a stiff or swollen neck
• Have a high fever
• Have a rash
• Are feeling very unwell or the sore throat is getting worse
• Are unsure in any way

If the person concerned is a child, it is vital to seek medical care immediately if they are having difficulty breathing, are drooling or are extremely unwell.⁹ Children who you think have tonsillitis for the first time should also be taken to the doctor.⁹

Good hygiene is one of the most important ways to reduce the risk of getting a cold or the flu and developing a sore throat.¹⁰ This includes:¹⁰ 

• Washing your hands regularly with soap and water
• Sneezing and coughing into your elbow or a tissue
• Throwing used tissues and paper towels in the bin immediately after using them
• Cleaning regularly touched surfaces often
• Not sharing cups, plates, cutlery or towels