Sore throat

A sore throat is usually caused by a viral inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa and often resolves on its own within a week. In a video consultation, an orienting inspection of the throat via camera is possible. Following a doctor's assessment, a private prescription for symptomatic treatment may be issued.

Medically reviewed by Adi Zoabi, Approbation als Arzt.
Last reviewed on August 31, 2026. Updated as clinical guidelines change.

Overview

A sore throat is one of the most common complaints in general practice and ENT medicine. In most cases it is caused by an acute inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa, predominantly triggered by viruses, which resolves on its own within about a week. In an OpenClinic24 video consultation, you describe your symptoms to a doctor without having to visit a practice. An orienting throat inspection is possible via camera: with good lighting, redness, coatings on the tonsils or one-sided swelling can often be assessed on video. Following the doctor's assessment, a private prescription for symptomatically effective preparations may be issued, for example from pain-relieving or locally numbing drug classes. The consultation also clarifies whether self-care is sufficient or whether a physical examination, a throat swab or antibiotic therapy at a local practice is required. Billing is a private service under the German medical fee schedule (GOÄ) for privately insured patients and self-payers.

Common causes

By far the most frequent cause of a sore throat is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, often accompanied by a runny nose, cough and hoarseness. Bacterial infections, in particular streptococcal tonsillitis with purulent coatings on the tonsils, high fever and swollen cervical lymph nodes, are less common but more often require antibiotic treatment. Other possible causes include glandular fever (mononucleosis), laryngitis with pronounced hoarseness, and lateral pharyngitis. Non-infectious triggers include dry indoor air, cigarette smoke, vocal strain, allergies and reflux of stomach acid. Persistent or one-sided symptoms without signs of infection should be evaluated by an ENT specialist so that rare but serious causes are not overlooked. The precise classification is based on the symptom pattern, the course over time and the findings of the throat inspection.

When to see a doctor

Seek medical advice if a sore throat lasts longer than a week, worsens despite self-care, or is accompanied by fever above 39 degrees Celsius. Further warning signs are severe one-sided pain with difficulty opening the mouth, which may indicate abscess formation, purulent coatings on the tonsils, markedly swollen cervical lymph nodes, a skin rash, and sore throat in people with a weakened immune system. Recurrent tonsillitis and hoarseness lasting more than three weeks also warrant medical evaluation. Call emergency services (112) if shortness of breath, muffled speech, inability to swallow with drooling, rapidly increasing swelling in the neck area or a feeling of suffocation occurs; these signs can indicate a life-threatening obstruction of the airways. The video consultation helps you assess your symptoms, but in such emergencies it never replaces immediate emergency care.

Symptoms & Indications

Scratchy or burning sensation in the throat Pain when swallowing Reddened pharyngeal mucosa Swollen or coated tonsils Swollen cervical lymph nodes Hoarseness Fever and fatigue Dry, irritating cough

Treatment Options

Adequate fluid intake and resting the voice
Lozenges with locally numbing or anti-inflammatory agents
Gargle solutions and throat sprays as recommended by a doctor
Pain-relieving and fever-reducing drug classes, by private prescription following a doctor's assessment
Throat compresses and warm drinks as supportive home remedies
Antibiotics only where there is a substantiated suspicion of a bacterial infection, following medical evaluation

Important Notes

The video throat inspection allows an orienting assessment but does not replace a physical examination, a throat swab or blood tests where these are required.
In case of shortness of breath, muffled speech, inability to swallow with drooling, or rapidly increasing swelling in the neck area, call emergency services (112) immediately.
A prescription is only issued if the doctor considers it medically appropriate based on an individual assessment.

HOW IT WORKS

How OpenClinic24 works

STEP 01

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Brief details about your symptoms

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STEP 02

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Video consultation within minutes

STEP 03

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Medical notice: Not a substitute for an in-person medical examination. The information on this page is intended for general guidance only. In an emergency, please call 112.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the doctor really assess my throat via video?

An orienting throat inspection via camera works well: with good lighting, redness, coatings on the tonsils and one-sided swelling can often be identified. A flashlight and a steady camera are helpful. If the findings remain unclear or a swab is needed, you will be advised to visit a practice in person.

When is self-care enough and when do I need medical treatment?

Mild sore throats accompanying a common cold can usually be managed well with fluids, lozenges and rest. Medical assessment is advisable if symptoms last longer than a week, if high fever, purulent coatings or markedly swollen lymph nodes develop, or if the pain is one-sided and severe. The video consultation helps you make this distinction safely.

How much does a video consultation for a sore throat cost?

Billing is a private service under the German medical fee schedule (GOÄ). Privately insured patients can usually submit the invoice to their private health insurer; reimbursement depends on the individual policy. Self-payers receive a transparent GOÄ invoice, with the amount visible before treatment.

Will I get an antibiotic for a sore throat?

Most sore throats are viral, so antibiotics are ineffective and are not prescribed. Following a doctor's assessment, an antibiotic may be considered if there are concrete indications of a bacterial infection such as streptococcal tonsillitis. There is no entitlement to a specific prescription; the decision rests with the treating doctor.