Hi and thanks for using this forum. I a so sorry about what you are experiencing right now. From your symptoms, i think you have pharyngitis. This can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergies etc. The cause can only be determined by running a series of tests. The common one is Strep test because it has potential long term complications when not adequately treated. But for this, the treatment options are often the same and not really worth over investigating. If you however wish to, then you may specifically ask your doctor to get samples for cultures. But this is not really going to change much on the treatment options and outcome unless otherwise. Wish you a speedy recovery...Hope this helps and please feel free to come back with further questions.