A sore throat or throat pain is a common physical symptom usually caused by acute pharyngitis

Pharyngitis

Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the throat or pharynx. In most cases it is quite painful, and is the most common cause of a sore throat.Like many types of inflammation, pharyngitis can be acute – characterized by a rapid onset and typically a relatively short course – or chronic....

, or throat inflammation, though it also occurs in a number of other situations, such as post trauma and in diphtheria

Diphtheria

Diphtheria is an upper respiratory tract illness caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, a facultative anaerobic, Gram-positive bacterium. It is characterized by sore throat, low fever, and an adherent membrane on the tonsils, pharynx, and/or nasal cavity...

. It can cause mild to extreme pain.

Differential diagnosis

A sore throat is usually from irritation or inflammation. The most common cause is acute viral pharyngitis (80%) which is a viral infection of the throat. Other causes include other infections (such as streptococcal pharyngitis), trauma, and tumors. In children streptococcal pharyngitis is the cause of 37% of sore throats.

Treatment

Analgesics such as NSAIDs and paracetamol

Paracetamol

Paracetamol INN , or acetaminophen USAN , is a widely used over-the-counter analgesic and antipyretic . It is commonly used for the relief of headaches and other minor aches and pains and is a major ingredient in numerous cold and flu remedies...

 (acetaminophen) help significantly in the management of pain. Steroids are also useful in this respect. The Mayo clinic

Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical practice and medical research group specializing in treating difficult patients . Patients are referred to Mayo Clinic from across the U.S. and the world, and it is known for innovative and effective treatments. Mayo Clinic is known for being at the top of...

 mentions some tips, including gargling

Gargling

Gargling is the act in which one bubbles a liquid in one's mouth. It usually requires that the head be tilted back, allowing a mouthful of liquid to sit in the upper throat. The head can be tilted by extending either the neck or the back, depending on what is comfortable for the gargler...

 with warm, salty water, resting the voice, and avoiding air pollution

Air pollution

Air pollution is the introduction of chemicals, particulate matter, or biological materials that cause harm or discomfort to humans or other living organisms, or cause damage to the natural environment or built environment, into the atmosphere....

.

Epidemiology

In the United States there are about 2.4 million emergency department visits with throat related complaints per year.