Why Is the Outside of My Throat Burning?

Symptoms of a sore throat and outside of the throat burning may include: 

• Throat pain
• Swollen, red tonsils
• Swollen glands in the neck
• Scratchy sensation in the throat
• Hoarseness or voice changes
• Pain or difficulty swallowing

Most cases of sore throat and outside of the throat burning are caused by viruses, usually viruses that cause upper respiratory infections such as the common cold. Cold symptoms that may accompany a sore or burning throat include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Runny or stuffy nose 
• Feeling unwell (malaise)
• Soreness in the roof of the mouth
• Eye irritation or redness 

About 10% of cases of sore or burning throat are strep throat, which may also cause symptoms such as:

• White patches of pus on the side or back of the throat
• Tiny, red spots on the roof of the mouth 
• Streaks of pus on the tonsils
• Fever 
• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting 
• Headache
• Rash (scarlet fever) 

If a sore throat and outside of the throat burning is caused by a virus, treatment is aimed at relief of symptoms. 

Home remedies to treat throat burning may include: 

• Throat sprays with topical anesthetics (e.g., benzocaine, phenol) for pain
• Lozenges (cough drops) with topical anesthetics for throat pain and dryness
  • Lozenges are not recommended for young children because they are a choking hazard
• Drinking plenty of liquids 
  • Sip warm beverages (e.g., tea, chicken soup, warm water with lemon)
  • Drink really cold beverages
• Eat cold or frozen desserts (e.g., popsicles or ice cream)
• Use a humidifier or take a steamy shower to help moisten the throat
• Over-the-counter pain relievers 
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve)
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 
  • Aspirin
    • Children under 18 should not be given aspirin due to the risk of a serious illness called Reye’s syndrome
• Salt-water gargle
  • Combine 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt per 1 cup warm water
  • This helps loosen mucus and can relieve pain 
• Decongestants
  • May be helpful if sore throat is caused by breathing through the mouth due to nasal congestion 

Strep throat is a bacterial infection and is treated with antibiotics, usually penicillin or amoxicillin. For those allergic to penicillin, other antibiotics may be used. If antibiotics are prescribed, take the entire dose as prescribed, even if you feel better before you have finished all the medicine. 

If a sore or burning throat is due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): 

• Take antacids
• Avoid acidic foods and drinks such as fried foods, citrus fruits, and sodas
• Don’t eat for at least an hour before bed
• Don’t lie down after eating
• Elevate the head of the bed

Other remedies to relieve sore or burning throat include: 

• Rest your voice, if sore throat is caused by yelling or cheering
• Avoid allergens or use antihistamines, if sore throat is caused by allergies
• Don’t smoke
• Change your toothbrush
  • Bacteria can accumulate on toothbrush bristles which may cause illness