Red flags The following findings in patients with a sore throat are of particular concern: Stridor or other sign of respiratory distress Drooling Muffled, "hot potato" voice Visible bulge in the pharynx Interpretation of findings Supraglottitis / epiglottitis and pharyngeal abscess pose a threat to the airway and must be differentiated from simple tonsillopharyngitis, which is uncomfortable but not acutely dangerous.