Frequent consultations · Infectious diseases
A sore throat is one of the most common complaints we see, especially with air-conditioned rooms, sea breeze, and the constant mix of indoor and outdoor temperatures typical of a Mallorca holiday. Most sore throats are caused by pharyngitis, an inflammation of the throat usually triggered by a virus, but a smaller number are caused by streptococcal bacteria (strep throat), which needs antibiotic treatment.
Symptoms of pharyngitis
- Pain or a scratchy feeling in the throat, worse when swallowing
- Redness in the back of the throat
- Mild fever
- Hoarseness
Accompanying symptoms that often point to a viral cause
- Cough
- Runny or blocked nose
- Sneezing
- Mild body aches
- Headache
Signs that may point to strep throat instead
- Sudden, severe throat pain without cough or nasal symptoms
- White patches or streaks of pus on the tonsils
- Tender, swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Fever above 38.3°C (101°F)
- In children, stomach pain and vomiting
When to see a doctor — children
According to pediatric guidance, a child’s sore throat should be evaluated when it:
- Does not improve after drinking or eating something warm
- Comes with a fever, rash, or difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Is accompanied by drooling in a young child (which can indicate a more serious airway issue)
- Lasts longer than 48 hours without improvement
When to see a doctor — adults
An adult should seek medical attention when a sore throat comes with:
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Difficulty opening the mouth fully
- Joint pain, earache, or a rash
- Fever higher than 38.3°C (101°F)
- Blood in the saliva or phlegm
- A lump in the neck
- Hoarseness lasting more than two weeks
Because pharyngitis and strep throat look similar in the first day or two, and only strep needs antibiotics, an in-person (or home-visit) exam with a throat swab is the most reliable way to know which one you have — self-treating with leftover antibiotics is not recommended and can delay the right diagnosis.
Source: adapted from Mayo Clinic and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) / American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) patient guidance.
If you need medical assistance for a persistent or severe sore throat, contact us — we can assess and treat it at your accommodation.
Dr. Diego González Agulla — Medical Director, Clinic Port Pollensa. Licensed physician, Balearic Medical Board (COMIB), Collegiate No. 073807071.
