What Causes a Sore Throat and Cough

Several conditions can cause a sore throat and cough. Some are temporary and resolve without specific treatment, while others may require medical evaluation.

1. Common Cold

The common cold is one of the most frequent causes of a sore throat and cough.

A cold can cause inflammation in the nose and throat and may lead to mucus production. As mucus drains down the back of your throat, it can irritate the throat and trigger coughing.

Other common cold symptoms include:

• Runny nose
• Nasal congestion
• Sneezing
• Mild headache
• Mild body aches
• Fatigue

A cough can sometimes continue after other cold symptoms begin to improve because the airways may remain irritated.

2. Flu

Influenza, commonly called the flu, can also cause a sore throat and cough.

Unlike many common colds, the flu often begins more suddenly and may cause more noticeable systemic symptoms.

Possible symptoms include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Weakness

Not everyone with the flu develops every symptom, and some people may have a respiratory illness without a fever.

If symptoms are severe or you are at increased risk of complications, contact a healthcare professional promptly.

3. COVID-19

COVID-19 can cause a variety of respiratory symptoms, including cough and sore throat.

Other possible symptoms include:

• Fever or chills
• Fatigue
• Congestion or runny nose
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Nausea or other gastrointestinal symptoms
• Changes in taste or smell

Because COVID-19 can overlap with other respiratory infections, symptoms alone cannot always tell you which infection you have.

If you think you may have COVID-19, testing may help determine whether you have an active infection, particularly when the result could affect treatment or precautions.

4. Postnasal Drip

Postnasal drip occurs when mucus from the nose or sinuses drains down the back of the throat.

This can irritate the throat and stimulate the cough reflex.

Postnasal drip may happen because of:

• Colds
• Allergies
• Sinus problems
• Environmental irritants

You may notice a sensation of mucus in your throat, frequent throat clearing, nasal congestion, or a cough that becomes worse when lying down.

5. Allergies

Allergies can cause throat irritation and coughing, particularly when allergens affect the nose and upper airways.

Common triggers include:

• Pollen
• Dust mites
• Pet dander
• Mold
• Other environmental allergens

Allergy-related symptoms often include sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, runny nose, and nasal congestion.

Unlike many infections, allergies generally do not cause a typical fever.

6. Strep Throat

Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus.

It can cause:

• Sore throat
• Pain when swallowing
• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Red or swollen tonsils
• White patches or streaks on the tonsils

However, cough is generally not a typical feature of strep throat. When a sore throat is accompanied by cough, runny nose, hoarseness, or conjunctivitis, a viral infection may be more likely.

If strep throat is suspected, a healthcare professional can perform an appropriate test. Antibiotics are used for confirmed bacterial infections such as strep throat and are not useful for viral infections.

7. Sinus Infection

Sinus inflammation or infection can sometimes cause both a sore throat and cough.

Mucus draining from the sinuses into the throat may cause irritation and coughing. Other symptoms may include:

• Facial pressure or pain
• Nasal congestion
• Thick nasal discharge
• Headache
• Reduced sense of smell
• Postnasal drip

Many sinus infections are caused by viruses and improve without antibiotics. Persistent or worsening symptoms may need evaluation by a healthcare professional.

8. Acid Reflux or GERD

A sore throat and cough are not always caused by a respiratory infection.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach contents repeatedly flow back into the esophagus. Reflux can irritate the throat and may contribute to a chronic cough or hoarseness.

Possible clues include:

• Heartburn
• Sour or bitter taste
• Regurgitation
• Hoarseness
• Throat clearing
• Cough that worsens after meals or when lying down

Some people experience throat-related reflux symptoms without obvious heartburn.

If you have an ongoing cough or throat irritation without typical cold symptoms, reflux may be one possible cause to discuss with a healthcare professional.

9. Asthma

Asthma affects the airways and can cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath.

For some people, cough may be the most noticeable symptom.

A sore throat may occur alongside asthma because of repeated coughing, airway irritation, or another condition occurring at the same time.

If coughing is recurrent, occurs at night, happens during exercise, or is associated with wheezing or breathing difficulty, medical evaluation may be appropriate.

10. Irritation From Smoke or Other Airborne Substances

You can develop throat irritation and coughing without having an infection.

Possible irritants include:

• Cigarette smoke
• Secondhand smoke
• Air pollution
• Strong fragrances
• Cleaning products
• Dust
• Chemical fumes
• Very dry air

Reducing exposure to the irritant may help symptoms improve.