Sore Throat Complications: Understanding Potential Risks

Everyone has experienced the occasional sore throat. Often a sign that an illness is developing, a sore throat is usually harmless. The complications depend on the illness causing it.

• A throat with an ulcer in it.

Signs of Infection

• If you develop a sore throat along with a rash, headache, fever and swollen tonsils, it's likely a sign of a more serious infection like tonsillitis or strep throat.

Strep Throat

• A bacterial infection, untreated strep throat can lead to complications like sinusitis and ear infections. It may also contribute to kidney inflammation and rheumatic fever.

Mononucleosis

• Untreated mononucleosis can lead to sore throat complications that include anemia, hepatitis and nerve damage. Besides a sore throat, signs of mononucleosis include fatigue, swollen lymph nodes and night sweats.

Treatment

• Your physician may prescribe an antibiotic to treat a sore throat caused by bacteria. Sore throats caused by viruses are usually not treated and allowed to resolve on their own.

Considerations

• After your sore throat has healed, replace your toothbrush. This prevents reinfection.