sore throats in adults

Introduction

sore throats are extremely common and are usually caused by viral infections but may be bacterial tonsillitis or may be referred pain from the chest

viral infections
- COVID-19 coronavirus (2019-nCoV / SARS-CoV-2)
- influenza
- coryza / the common cold / viral rhinopharyngitis / rhinitis
- human respiratory syncytial virus / human orthopneumovirus (HRSV)
- EBV / glandular fever / infectious mononucleosis or cytomegalovirus (CMV) - check for posterior cervical LNs which are usually absent in other causes of pharyngitis or tonsillitis
- herpangina - ulcers on posterior pharynx, more common in children
- etc
bacterial infections
- tonsillitis
- peritonsillar abscess (quinsy)
- Vincent's angina - fusospirochaetal infection of the pharynx and tonsils
- oral sex related:
  - gonococcus
  - syphilis

gingivitis
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) - especially if it is primary HSV gingivostomatitis
- Vincent's gingivitis - fusospirochaetal necrotising gingivitis
mouth ulcers
acute dental pain / dental abscess
salivary gland calculi or infections
glossitis - iron deficiency, etc
oral burns
angioedema of the tongue - eg. ACE inhibitors related
etc.

epiglottitis
cervical abscess
Lemiere's syndrome - septic thrombophlebitis of internal jugular vein following pharyngeal infection usually in 18-35yr olds

Ludwig's angina - floor of mouth infection (floor of the mouth infection - rapidly progressive gangrenous bilateral cellulitis of the submandibular space with risk of life-threatening airway compromise)
thyroiditis, etc