Sore throat

A sore throat is a clinical symptom and manifestation of inflammation involving the mucosal lining of the pharynx, tonsils, or surrounding upper aerodigestive tissues

A sore throat is a clinical symptom and manifestation of inflammation involving the mucosal lining of the pharynx, tonsils, or surrounding upper aerodigestive tissues

It can affect individuals of any age group, though infectious etiologies are particularly prevalent in pediatric and young adult populations

It can affect individuals of any age group, though infectious etiologies are particularly prevalent in pediatric and young adult populations Pathophysiologically, the condition most commonly arises from mucosal inflammation driven by respiratory viruses, bacterial infections—predominantly Group A *Streptococcus*—or noninfectious irritants such as allergens, environmental exposures, or gastroesophageal reflux

Clinically, it is defined by localized discomfort, pain, scratchiness, or dryness that is typically exacerbated by deglutition (odynophagia) Pathophysiologically, the condition most commonly arises from mucosal inflammation driven by respiratory viruses, bacterial infections—predominantly Group A *Streptococcus*—or noninfectious irritants such as allergens, environmental exposures, or gastroesophageal reflux

Clinically, it is defined by localized discomfort, pain, scratchiness, or dryness that is typically exacerbated by deglutition (odynophagia) Pathophysiologically, the condition most commonly arises from mucosal inflammation driven by respiratory viruses, bacterial infections—predominantly Group A *Streptococcus*—or noninfectious irritants such as allergens, environmental exposures, or gastroesophageal reflux

Clinically, it is defined by localized discomfort, pain, scratchiness, or dryness that is typically exacerbated by deglutition (odynophagia)