Acute sore throat is a very common presenting complaint in general practice and is often associated with benign conditions including pharyngitis, laryngitis and tonsillitis (Stevens, 2008). However, it is important to note that a sore throat may be the early onset of a more serious life-threatening condition. Therefore, a thorough patient history and examination are vital in order to establish the correct diagnosis. This article will highlight the causes of acute sore throat and provide some guidance as to how to manage this common condition.