Common Symptoms and Early Signs of a Throat Infection

Most people know that feeling of scratchy, irritable discomfort in the back of your throat when you swallow. Though a minor sore throat might seem kind of come and go it’s usually the first sign you are moving into a throat infection. Knowing the common symptoms and early signs is critical to receiving treatment early and avoiding it getting worse.

But what is the cause of the sore throat and how do you know it is not just simply irritation? Let's explore what signs you should never ignore.

The Early Warning Signs of Throat Infection

Recognizing a throat infection soon can make a big difference in how fast you recover. The very first signs are usually very benign, but they often seem to come on like a freight train after the first twinge. The following things are worth being aware of:

The Classic Scratchy Pain: The most common first sign is to have a mild scratchiness or rawness developing in the back of the throat. In my experience, that sensation generally progresses to a steady sharp pain when swallowing, and especially when eating foods (or liquids) as well.

Mild Redness and Swelling: Initially, you notice nothing, however when you look in the mirror or use a flashlight and you can clearly see a red/swollen throat. If you have tonsils, they will most likely be swollen and likely inflamed, too.

A Hoarse Muffled Voice: If the throat infection is strong enough to cause some degree of swelling/inflamed redness in your throat; it will almost certainly impact your vocal cords as well. You may hear and possibly will have a hoarse, raspy, or weak voice. You may notice you can speak very loudly or will have an overall harder engaged voice.

Common Symptoms 

Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia): The mild pain when swallowing can become so extreme that you do not want to eat or drink, resulting in dehydration, which complicates the recovery process. 

Swollen, Tender Lymph Nodes: Your lymph nodes are a part of your body's defense system. When fighting infection, the nodes in your neck and jaw line often become swollen and tender to touch.   

White Patches or Pus: In cases of bacterial infections, such as: strep throat, you may notice the presence of white patches, streaks or pus located on your tonsils, and/or the back of your throat. This can be a persuasive sign that the cause of the throat infection is bacterial, and medical treatment may be needed. 

A Dry Cough: A tickle in the inflamed throat can trigger a dry cough. Coughing is commonly nonproductive, as no mucus is being brought up. This will further irritate the sensitive tissue of the inflamed throat.  

Systemic Symptoms: Fever and body aches not only localized to the throat, your entire body may respond- fever, chills, headache, and aches of the entire body are normal when your immune system is in a fight or flight stage, and the body is in overdrive to fight the infection of the throat.

Throat Infection Causes

In order to properly treat a throat infection, it is important to identify the cause. The vast majority of throat infections are viral; in fact, the viral throat infection cause is likely the same virus that caused your cold or flu. In the majority of cases, there is not much that can be done but to simply ride it out. You can treat symptoms but the infection will take time to resolve on its own. 

When to See a Doctor

A throat infection can be an annoyance. It sends a signal to your body that you need attention. And when you take heed of these early signs and symptoms, you can prevent it way before it starts spreading. Consulting a doctor is required when you are facing bacterial throat infection.