At Austin Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic, we specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of throat-related conditions that may affect your breathing, speaking, swallowing, or overall comfort. Whether you’re struggling with a persistent sore throat or chronic tonsil issues, our board-certified ENT specialists provide personalized, evidence-based care to help you feel better—faster. For prompt evaluation, call us at 512-381-2850 or request an appointment online.
A sore throat is a common symptom that can make it painful to speak, swallow, or even breathe comfortably. Most sore throats are caused by viral or bacterial infections, but other factors like allergies, sinus infections, or dry air can also contribute. While many sore throats improve with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications, persistent symptoms may indicate a more serious condition requiring medical evaluation.
When to See a Doctor
If your sore throat lasts more than five to seven days, or is accompanied by high fever, difficulty breathing, or swollen lymph nodes, it’s important to seek medical care. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if the cause is bacterial—such as strep throat.
Common Causes of Sore Throat Viral Infections
Many sore throats are linked to viral illnesses, such as:
Colds and the flu
Measles and chickenpox
Croup and whooping cough
Infectious mononucleosis (mono)
Mononucleosis, caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, can lead to severe sore throat symptoms that last 1–4 weeks. It often causes:
Enlarged tonsils with white patches
Fever and chills
Swollen glands (neck, armpits, groin)
Severe fatigue that may persist for six weeks or more
Liver involvement, sometimes resulting in jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Breathing difficulties in severe cases
Bacterial Infections (Strep Throat)
Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus. It's especially common in children but can affect people of all ages. If left untreated, strep throat can lead to complications, including:
Tonsillitis
Scarlet fever
Pneumonia
Sinus and ear infections
Rheumatic fever (which can damage the heart valves)
White patches or drainage on the tonsils or back of the throat
Swollen or tender lymph nodes in the neck
Headache and stomach pain, especially in children
Tonsils & Adenoids
Tonsils and adenoids are part of your body's lymphatic system, which plays a vital role in defending against infections. Located at the back of the throat and behind the nose, they help trap and neutralize harmful bacteria and viruses that enter through the mouth or nasal passages—especially during early childhood, when the immune system is still developing.
Tonsils and adenoids can become chronically inflamed or infected, leading to problems such as recurrent sore throats or strep throat, persistent nasal congestion, difficulty breathing through the nose, snoring or obstructive sleep apnea, ear infections or fluid buildup in the ears, swollen lymph nodes and fatigue, as well as difficulty swallowing. In these cases, the tonsils and adenoids may stop functioning as protective organs and instead become sources of ongoing infection. Surgical removal may be recommended when medical treatments—such as antibiotics or nasal sprays—no longer provide lasting relief.
Tonsillectomy
A tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of the tonsils. It may be advised if tonsils are chronically infected, tonsils are so enlarged they obstruct breathing or swallowing, recurrent abscesses form behind the tonsils, or there is suspicion of cancerous growths.
Adenoidectomy
An adenoidectomy is the removal of the adenoids and is typically recommended when enlarged adenoids cause chronic nasal blockage or snoring, recurrent ear infections, or fluid buildup are present, adenoid tissue is contributing to chronic sinusitis, non-surgical treatments have failed.
In some cases, tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are performed together, especially in children with sleep-disordered breathing or frequent infections.
Swallowing Disorders
Difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia, can affect individuals of all ages—but is especially common in older adults. While many swallowing issues are temporary and benign, persistent symptoms may indicate a more serious underlying condition that should be evaluated by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.
Swallowing is a complex process involving the throat, esophagus, nerves, and muscles. If any part of this system is affected, swallowing may become difficult, painful, or even dangerous. You should schedule a consultation with an ENT specialist if you experience ongoing or unexplained swallowing problems, including:
Drooling or difficulty managing saliva
A sensation of food or liquids “sticking” in the throat or chest
Discomfort in the throat or chest, especially with acid reflux
A persistent sensation of a lump or foreign body in the throat
Unintentional weight loss or poor nutrition
Coughing or choking while eating or drinking
Voice changes associated with eating or swallowing
Frequent respiratory infections due to food or liquids entering the airway (aspiration)
Once the cause of your swallowing disorder is identified, a personalized treatment plan will be developed. Treatment options may include:
Medication: To reduce inflammation, manage acid reflux, or treat infections that may be contributing to swallowing difficulty.
Swallowing Therapy: Performed in partnership with a speech-language pathologist, this therapy uses specialized techniques and exercises to improve swallowing safety and efficiency.
Surgical Intervention: Surgery may be recommended in more complex cases, such as: Esophageal Dilation for narrowing (strictures), removal of growths or tumors, or Cricopharyngeal Myotomy (a procedure to release overly tight throat muscles that block food passage). These procedures are performed by our experienced ENT surgeons and tailored to your specific anatomy and condition.
