What is the medical term for a sore throat?

The medical term for a sore throat is pharyngitis. This condition refers specifically to the inflammation of the pharynx, which is the area of the throat located behind the mouth and nasal cavity. Pharyngitis is commonly associated with symptoms such as pain, discomfort, and difficulty swallowing, which are characteristic of a sore throat.

Nasopharyngitis refers to the inflammation of both the nose and the pharynx, often associated with upper respiratory infections, and is broader in scope than just a sore throat. Laryngitis pertains to inflammation of the larynx, which can affect the vocal cords and is often marked by hoarseness or loss of voice. Esophagitis involves inflammation of the esophagus, which is the tube leading from the throat to the stomach, and does not relate to throat pain. Thus, pharyngitis is the most accurate term to describe the specific condition of a sore throat.