A sore throat and difficulty swallowing is most often caused by viruses, such as the common cold, but can also be caused by bacteria, allergies, other illnesses, tumors, or environmental issues. Young people are most prone to developing a sore throat and difficulty swallowing, because of the frequency that they develop viruses. Most of these cases are not serious and resolve without needing to visit a physician.

The most common viruses that lead to a sore throat and trouble swallowing are the viruses associated with the common cold, mononucleosis, and influenza. Less frequently, someone infected with measles, the croup, or chicken pox may experience a sore throat and difficulty swallowing. Strep throat, tonsillitis, and diphtheria are caused by bacteria, and can also lead to a sore throat and difficulty swallowing.

People with HIV infection may develop a sore throat and have difficulty swallowing do to compromised immunity and the presence of oral thrush or cytomegalovirus. People with acid gastroesophageal reflux disease may experience trouble swallowing and a sore throat because of stomach acid backing up into the windpipe, irritating the throat. Tumors that develop in the throat, or on the voice box or tongue, can lead to similar symptoms.

Smokers and people exposed to second-hand smoke may experience sore throat and trouble swallowing. Exposure to chemicals, either in the workplace, or household cleansers, can lead to a sore throat as well. Exposure to allergies and air pollution can also irritate the throat, making it sore and difficult to swallow. Yelling, such as at concerts or sporting events, can strain the vocal cords and lead to these problems too.

Treat a sore throat and difficulty swallowing with simple home remedies. Drink more water than usual to soothe the throat. Dissolve one-half teaspoon, or 2.5 milliliters, of salt in one cup of warm water and gargle the solution. Add the juice of one lemon and a spoonful of honey to a glass of hot water, stir until the honey dissolves. Allow the drink to cool until it is a comfortable drinking temperature before drinking. Resting the voice can also ease discomfort. If the symptoms are combined with a fever, rash, pus in the back of the throat, trouble breathing or swollen lymph nodes, the illness may require treatment from a healthcare provider.