4. Swollen Glands
Swollen glands are a sign of infection, and many sore throats are the result of an infection in the throat, sinuses, or respiratory system. The infection may start in one part of the body but spread to the throat during a cough or sneeze. When the body is trying to fight off the infection, the lymph nodes swell. Many people can feel the glands in their neck swell when they have a sore throat. They can make the sore throat worse, hurt when you swallow and be sore or tender to touch.
The lymph nodes can also tell doctors there is an infection in the body and give them an idea of what to look for in tests. Once you start taking antibiotics, the swollen glands should go down, and the sore throat should go away.
The glands may be slightly sore and tender for a few days after other symptoms subside, as the infection may still be in the body, but in a weakened form.