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URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/sorethroat.html

Sore Throat

Also called: Pharyngitis
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Summary

Your throat is a tube that carries food to your esophagus and air to your windpipe and larynx (also called the voice box). The technical name for the throat is pharynx.

You can have a sore throat for many reasons. Often, colds and flu cause sore throats. Other causes can include:

Treatment depends on the cause. Sucking on lozenges, drinking lots of liquids, and gargling may ease the pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help, but children should not take aspirin.

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The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.