[header] How to diagnose sore throat causes [title] Notice if you feel pain or a scratchy sensation. [step] Perhaps one of the key symptoms of a sore throat is a scratchy sensation, like you have an itch in your throat that you cannot reach. You may also feel pain, such as a burning or irritated sensation in your throat. 
[substeps] This scratchy sensation may feel worse when you swallow or speak. You may find it difficult to swallow food or speak to someone due to the scratchy or painful sensation in your throat.