€¢ Glandular fever (infectious mononucleosis) is a viral infection, most common in adolescents. Features include sore throat, swollen lymph glands, with low-grade fever, fatigue and prolonged malaise. It is a self-limiting condition and patients normally recover within six weeks without treatment, but they may feel tired and depressed for several months afterwards.

€¢ Beta-haemolytic streptococcal infection causes inflammation of one or more of the tonsils, larynx or pharynx. Tonsillitis occurs most frequently in children and young adults. Symptoms include: pain in the throat and on swallowing, and which may be referred to the ears. Small children may complain of abdominal pain, headache, loss of voice, fever, and malaise. On examining the throat, there will be redness of the pharynx and tonsils, with swelling of the tonsils and possibly a purulent discharge. The lymph glands on the neck will be swollen and painful. Similar symptoms occur in laryngitis and pharyngitis, where a principal symptom is hoarseness.

€¢ Oral thrush (candidiasis) is a yeast infection, causing sore throat and mouth. Its characteristic feature is curd-like white patches in the mouth, which can be easily removed leaving an underlying red base that is usually painless.

€¢ Cancer: carcinoma of the larynx and tonsils commonly present with sore throat and dysphagia, and also referred ear pain. These conditions have a strong link with smoking and excessive alcohol intake and are more common in men than women.