Sore throat is pain felt anywhere in the throat. Sore throat, also known as throat pain, is pain or irritation of the throat. Usually, causes of sore throat include viral infections, Group A streptococcal infection, Bacterial infection, Inflammation of the Throat, Inflammation of the Tonsils, and Dehydration, which leads to the throat drying up. The majority of sore throats are caused by a virus, for which antibiotics are not helpful. Symptoms of sore throat include a scratchy sensation, pain during swallowing, discomfort while speaking, a burning sensation, and swelling in the neck.