Sore throat

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KOMAI TSUBASA

Physician / Board-Certified Internist (Japanese Society of Internal Medicine) / Board-Certified Interventional Cardiologist (Japanese Association of Cardiovascular Intervention and Therapeutics) / ECG Certification Level 1

I have worked diligently as a young physician on the front lines of cardiovascular emergency medicine. While I feel an “immense sense of fulfillment” when patients brought in by ambulance successfully return to their normal lives, I have also witnessed many cases of “the ultimate consequences of lifestyle diseases” that could not be saved. I aspire to be a family doctor whom patients can consult as casually as they would a friend, with the goal of helping people before it’s too late. I am also involved in medical education to improve health literacy among the Japanese public.

What are the symptoms of a sore throat?

A sore throat can mean a variety of different conditions.

最后更新：2026年3月。由CLINIC TEN SHIBUYA医疗团队监修。

It hurts even when I’m not doing anything
Pain when swallowing saliva or other substances
My throat is sore
Throat discomfort
Dry throat

And so on.

The cause is often a virus, and it usually goes away within a week if left untreated. However, some sore throats can be life-threatening if left untreated, so caution is required.

Things to keep in mind when you have a sore throat

A dry throat can lead to pain. You can ease the pain by gargling, using commercially available throat sprays, drinking hot and cold drinks, or sucking on throat lozenges. Avoid foods and drinks that irritate the throat. It is best to avoid alcohol, spicy foods, and hot foods.

Possible causes of sore throat

Sore throats are a common symptom, often caused by viral or bacterial infections. Common causes include the common cold and tonsillitis. Sore throats can also occur when you swallow something that injures your throat, such as a fish bone. Generally, they will get better within a week without any treatment. However, if they don’t get better after a few days, or if they get worse, or if over-the-counter medications don’t help, you should see a doctor.

Cold

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Urgent illnesses accompanied by a sore throat

The most frightening illness associated with a sore throat is “epiglottitis,” which blocks the airway when breathing, making it difficult to breathe and, in the worst case, even leading to death. Because epiglottitis progresses quickly, hesitating to call an ambulance or go to the hospital can be life-threatening.

There is also a condition called “peritonsillar abscess,” which is a condition in which pus accumulates in the tonsils at the back of the throat. In addition to medical treatment, an incision may be required to drain the pus.

If you notice any of the following abnormalities, it may be a sign of a dangerous illness. Call an ambulance immediately or go to the emergency room.

The most painful throat I’ve ever experienced
Difficulty breathing
Strange noises when breathing
Inability to swallow food, drinks, or saliva

summary

There are many different types of sore throats, but preventing dryness can often help relieve the pain.
The cause is often a cold caused by a viral or bacterial infection, and it usually clears up within a week.
If the pain worsens or over-the-counter medications don’t work, see a doctor.
If, in addition to a sore throat, you experience breathing problems such as difficulty breathing or strange sounds when breathing, call an ambulance immediately as this may be a life-threatening illness.

常见问题

在日本喉咙痛可以接受什么治疗？

在日本的诊所可以进行咽喉检查（流感、新冠、链球菌等）并获得处方。在药店可以购买咽喉喷雾、含片和止痛药。

在日本能不用处方买到抗生素吗？

不能。在日本，抗生素需要医生处方。如果怀疑细菌性咽炎，请前往诊所检查，必要时医生会开具抗生素处方。

喉咙痛什么时候需要紧急就医？

如果吞咽困难到无法喝水、发热超过38.5°C、颈部肿胀或呼吸困难，请立即就医。这可能是急性会厌炎等危险疾病的征兆。