Sore throats can be painful and annoying. Fortunately most sore throats are caused by minor illnesses that go away without medical treatment.

Sometimes you may think you have just a cold with a scratchy throat, but after a trip to your doctor's office you may learn it could by a sign of a more serious condition. Ciara Richard says, "My throat was really red and it looked irritated and it really hurt."

The majority of sore throats are cause by infection and they can either be bacterial or viral taking a culture is the only way to know for sure and that's why treatments vary as well because viruses do not respond to antibiotics. Pediatrician Emilio Del Valle explains, "Scientifically, most of them are viral. Some children that don't respond to antibiotics, is because it wasn't bacterial. And it wasn't strep, it was a viral illness."

But some sore throats may be the sign of something more, like mononucleosis, herpes, strep throat or cancer. Knowing when to seek medical treatment is the key to preventing further complications. Dr. Del Valle says, "When the child is acting normal, when the fevers are there, you have time, you have to use your judgment."

In the meantime there are several things that you can do to help ease the pain. Dr. Del Valle also says that "First, you should drink lots of fluids, and usually cool fluids will help you versus hot, or citrus - you don't want to do that."

So next time you feel scratchy in your throat, you'll want to make sure you look at all the symptoms before brushing it off as just another sore throat.

Remember the best way to avoid catching or spreading a sore throat is to wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your eyes and mouth, and covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing.