Possible causes of a sore throat and chest pain can include infections, acid reflux, and asthma. Some causes may need medical attention.

In this article, we explore conditions that can cause chest pain and a sore throat. We also look at the accompanying symptoms of each issue and describe home remedies and other treatment options.

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A sore throat and chest pain are common symptoms of a cold.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an adult tends to experience roughly 2–3 colds a year, while a child may catch a cold even more often.

A sore throat is a common symptom, and some people also experience chest pain.

Other symptoms of a cold can include:

  • coughing
  • headaches
  • body aches
  • a runny nose
  • sneezing

People typically recover after 7–10 days. However, those with asthma, other respiratory conditions, or weakened immune systems may develop complications, such as pneumonia or bronchitis.

Treatment

Although treatment cannot cure a cold, it can help ease the symptoms.

To help speed the healing process and reduce symptoms, a person should:

  • get lots of rest
  • drink plenty of fluids
  • take over-the-counter medications

However, a person should talk to a doctor or pharmacist before trying a new cold medication.

Learn more about relieving cold symptoms at home.

Gastroesophageal reflux — more commonly called acid reflux — occurs when acid in the stomach rises up into the esophagus, the tubular structure connecting the throat to the stomach.

If acid reflux occurs frequently, more than twice a week for a few weeks in a row, a person may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

When a person with GERD does not receive treatment, it can cause complications, such as esophagitis, which is inflammation of the esophagus.

Common symptoms of GERD include:

  • regular heartburn
  • a different painful, burning feeling in the center of the chest
  • pain in the upper abdomen
  • nausea
  • difficulty swallowing or pain while swallowing
  • vomiting
  • bad breath
  • respiratory issues
  • erosion of the teeth

Treatment

Certain strategies can help manage GERD symptoms, including:

  • avoiding spicy or greasy foods
  • maintaining a healthy weight
  • avoiding smoking
  • not eating 2–3 hours before bedtime
  • taking over-the-counter antacids

A doctor may recommend treatments such as prescription medications, lifestyle changes, or a referral to a gastroenterologist for an endoscopy.

Learn more about home treatments for GERD here.

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, asthma affects about 26 million people in the United States.

The symptoms can be so mild that a person may not even know that they have asthma. For some people, however, the symptoms are more severe.

Some symptoms of asthma include:

  • coughing — often at night, when laughing, or during or after exercise
  • chest tightness
  • trouble breathing
  • wheezing
  • shortness of breath

An itchy or scratchy throat can be a warning sign of an asthma attack.

Learn what to do when someone is having an asthma attack here.

Treatment

Typical treatments for asthma include long-term control medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids, and quick-relief medications, such as short-acting beta-agonists.

It is important to:

  • Discuss medication options thoroughly with a doctor.
  • Identify and avoid asthma triggers.
  • Carry a quick-relief inhaler, if necessary.

Pneumonia is an infection that causes the air sacs in the lungs to become inflamed.

In some cases, the sacs fill with fluid or pus, which can result in symptoms such as a cough and difficulty breathing. People with viral pneumonia may also have a sore throat.

Some other common symptoms of pneumonia include:

  • a fever
  • chills
  • quick, shallow breathing
  • vomiting
  • nausea
  • shortness of breath
  • fatigue
  • a loss of appetite

Treatment

A doctor will develop a treatment plan, which may include antibiotics if bacteria are the cause of the infection.

The doctor may recommend other treatments and home care techniques, including:

  • resting
  • drinking plenty of fluids
  • taking over-the-counter medication to relieve any fever
  • breathing in the steam from a hot bath or shower
  • drinking hot beverages
  • using a humidifier

Bronchitis occurs when the main air passages to the lungs, the bronchi, become inflamed.

Acute bronchitis can be caused by the same viruses that cause colds. In this case, a person may experience a sore throat, a runny nose, chest pain, or a combination.

Other symptoms may include:

  • shortness of breath
  • a cough
  • a slight fever
  • a tickling feeling and pain in the throat
  • disrupted sleep
  • a rattling sensation in the chest

Treatment

Symptoms of acute bronchitis typically resolve in 7–14 days.

Taking decongestants and drinking plenty of fluids can help ease the symptoms.

For stubborn or severe symptoms, a doctor may recommend a bronchodilator — a type of medication that opens the air passages. These medications are often delivered via inhalers.

In addition to medical treatments, some home remedies and care strategies can relieve pain in the chest and throat.

A person might benefit from:

  • using a humidifier
  • breathing in the steam from a hot bath or shower
  • drinking herbal teas
  • trying a little honey
  • using a saltwater gargle
  • drinking plenty of fluids
  • avoiding smoke

A doctor or pharmacist can provide more detailed guidance.

Speak to a doctor about any unexplained chest pain and soreness in the throat.

A person should seek medical help immediately if they experience:

  • difficulty breathing
  • a high fever
  • worsening symptoms

A sore throat and chest pain may be unrelated or caused by the same underlying issue.

A person should discuss their symptoms with a doctor, who can diagnose the cause and recommend the best course of action. This may involve a mix of home care strategies, remedies, and medical treatments.