Know the early signs of a sore throat

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• A sore throat is a condition characterized by pain and irritation in the throat.1 This condition is common in both adults and children.2

• Sore throats are caused by various factors3,4, including viruses, bacteria, allergies, respiratory illnesses, acid reflux, and smoking.

• Early signs of sore throat3-7 include difficulty swallowing, dryness and itchiness in the throat, irritation, swelling, a ticklish sensation, and constant throat clearing. Other symptoms from viral infections can also accompany it, such as coughing, a runny nose, hoarseness, and conjunctivitis.

• POVIDONE-IODINE (BETADINE®) Throat Care range of products are formulated with Triple Targeted Action to help kill 99.99% of sore throat-causing viruses and bacteria in as early as 30 seconds, based on in-vitro data.8,9

A sore throat is a condition that causes pain and irritation in the throat.1 It is common among both adults and children, representing 2% and 5% of all outpatient primary care visits respectively.2 While most sore throats typically clear within a week3, the condition itself can still be a nuisance to deal with.

WHAT CAUSES SORE THROATS? ^3,4

The common causes of sore throats are:

• Viruses (most common cause, including cold & flu viruses)

• Bacteria (Group A Streptococcus)

• Allergies

• Upper respiratory tract illnesses

• Acid reflux

• Smoking (firsthand and secondhand)

Sore throats can be a hassle to deal with and can affect your quality of life. Recognizing the early signs of sore throat is key so you can use products tested to kill the root cause immediately and help prevent the condition from getting worse.

EARLY SIGNS OF A SORE THROAT TO LOOK OUT FOR ^3-7

Sore throats may also be a sign of a viral infection, and can be accompanied by the following symptoms3-7

 

 

 

 

_{If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.}

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References: 

1. Mayo Clinic Staff. Sore throat – symptoms & causes [Internet]. Rochester (MN): Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; updated 2025 Apr 12 [cited 2025 Aug 26]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sore-throat/symptoms-causes/syc-20351635

2. Sykes EA, Wu V, Beyea MM, Simpson MTW, Beyea JA. Pharyngitis: Approach to diagnosis and treatment. Can Fam Physician. 2020 Apr;66(4):251-257. PMID: 32273409; PMCID: PMC7145142.

3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sore Throat Basics [Internet]. Atlanta (GA): Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; updated 2024 Apr 17 [cited 2025 Aug 26]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/sore-throat/about/index.html

4. Railton D. Sore throat and acid reflux: causes and treatment [Internet]. London (UK): Healthline Media UK Ltd (Medical News Today); updated 2023 Oct 18 [cited 2025 Aug 27]. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315066

5. Healthdirect Australia. Sore throat (pharyngitis) – symptoms, treatments and causes [Internet] Healthdirect Australia; [Last reviewed June 2023; cited 2025 Aug 27]. Available from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sore‑throat

6. Dresden D. Tickle in throat: Causes, with a cough, and how to get rid of it [Internet]. London (UK): Healthline Media UK Ltd (Medical News Today); updated 2025 Apr 10 [cited 2025 Aug 27]. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319802

7. Higuera V. Sore throat: Causes, symptoms, and when to see a doctor [Internet]. London (UK): Healthline Media UK Ltd (Medical News Today). Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/311449

8. Povidone-iodine (BETADINE®) Gargle & Mouthwash [Internet]. [cited 2025 Aug 26]. Available from: https://ph.betadine.global/en/ph/product-category/product/cold-and-flu/povidone-iodine-betadine-gargle-mouthwash

9. Povidone-iodine (BETADINE®) throat spray [Internet]. [cited 2025 Aug 26]. Available from: https://ph.betadine.global/en/ph/product-category/product/cold-and-flu/povidone-iodine-betadine-throat-spray

10. Image source: Shutterstock