Sore throat refers to the itchy, painful, dry feeling in the throat. Based on the part of the throat that is affected, is divided into several categories: tonsilitis, pharyngitis, and laryngitis. Therefore, you may experience a sore throat on just one side or both depending upon the type and area of the throat affected.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), millions of people experience sore throats each year, often leading to missed work or school days and visits to healthcare providers. Therefore, let’s understand the common causes of this condition in detail.
What is a Sore Throat?
A sore throat is an unpleasant, dry, or scratchy sensation in the throat.
Throat pain is one of the most frequent complaints, accounting for more than 2% of all adult primary care visits annually. Infections and environmental factors such as dry air are the most common causes of sore throats. A sore throat might be annoying, but it typically resolves on its own.
Sore throats are classified into kinds based on the area of the throat they affect
- Pharyngitis produces swelling and painful throat.
- Tonsillitis is the swelling and redness of the tonsils, which are soft tissues in the rear of the mouth.
- Laryngitis is a condition characterized by swelling and redness of the voice box, or larynx.
What are the 8 Common Causes of Sore Throat?
A sore throat can be caused due to multiple reasons. 8 common causes are here:
Viral Infection
The most common cause of sore throat for which you would visit a doctor is viral infection. Viruses, such as the common cold and flu, can lead to inflammation and irritation in the throat. Rhinovirus, the primary cause of the common cold, and influenza virus are notorious for causing sore throats. Additionally, recent pandemics have highlighted the role of coronaviruses, including COVID-19, in causing throat discomfort.
When a viral infection strikes, the body’s immune system responds by releasing inflammatory chemicals to fight off the virus. This immune response often results in a sore throat. Other symptoms accompanying viral infections may include a runny or stuffy nose, cough, fever, and body aches. Unfortunately, antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections, so treatment focuses on relieving symptoms through rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications like pain relievers and throat lozenges.
Bacterial Infections
Bacterial infections are another prevalent cause of sore throats, with streptococcal bacteria being the main culprit. Streptococcus pyogenes causes strep throat, which is characterized by acute throat discomfort, red and swollen tonsils, and, in some cases, white patches or streaks of pus. Other symptoms may include fever, headache, and enlarged lymph nodes.
Strep throat is often diagnosed via a quick strep test or a throat culture performed by a healthcare provider. Unlike viral infections, bacterial infections such as strep throat necessitate antibiotic treatment to avoid complications and hasten healing. It is critical to finish the entire course of antibiotics to ensure the infection is completely cleared and to avoid antibiotic resistance.
Allergies
You may be allergic to pollen, pet dander, dust, and other allergens. When the body’s immune system overreacts to these harmful substances, it releases certain chemicals like histamines, which leads to inflammation and irritation in the throat. This reaction can cause symptoms like a scratchy or itchy throat, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes.
Managing allergy-related sore throats involves identifying and avoiding the allergens causing the reaction. Over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants can help alleviate symptoms. In some cases, allergy shots (immunotherapy) may be recommended by an allergist to reduce sensitivity to allergens over time.
Dry Air
Dry air, especially common during the winter months when indoor heating systems are in use, can dry out the mucous membranes in the throat. It leads to irritation and soreness. This dryness can cause a scratchy feeling and make swallowing uncomfortable.
Maintaining adequate humidity levels in your home can help prevent sore throats caused by dry air. Using a humidifier to add moisture to the air, especially in your bedroom, can keep your throat hydrated. Additionally, drinking plenty of water throughout the day and avoiding caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you, can help keep your throat moist.
Irritants and Pollutants
Exposure to irritants and pollutants like cigarette smoke, industrial fumes, and harsh chemicals can cause irritation and sore throat. Smoking, in particular, is a significant irritant that can lead to chronic sore throats and other serious health issues, including cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Reducing exposure to these irritants is crucial for preventing sore throats. Quitting smoking, avoiding secondhand smoke, and using protective gear when working with chemicals can help protect your throat. If you live in an area with high pollution levels, using air purifiers in your home and limiting outdoor activities on days with poor air quality can also be beneficial.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
In this condition, the stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus. It irritates the esophagus lining and causes a sore throat. This acid reflux can lead to symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, and persistent cough and throat pain.
Managing GERD involves lifestyle changes and medications to reduce acid production and prevent reflux. Eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding foods and drinks that trigger reflux (such as spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol), and not lying down immediately after eating can help reduce symptoms. Over-the-counter antacids and prescription medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may also be necessary for managing GERD.
Muscle Strain
You might not know but screaming or shouting can lead to sore throats. Shouting, singing, or speaking for too long can lead to muscle strain ultimately leading to a sore throat. This type of soreness is common among individuals who use their voices professionally, such as singers, teachers, and public speakers.
Allowing your vocal cords to rest and recover is necessary for relieving throat muscle strain. Staying hydrated, using a humidifier to keep the air moist, and avoiding whispering (which can strain your voice even more than speaking) can help soothe a sore throat. In some cases, voice therapy with a speech-language pathologist may be recommended to improve vocal technique and prevent future strain.
Tumor
While less common, tumors in the throat, voice box (larynx), or tongue can cause a persistent sore throat. These tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and often present with additional symptoms that necessitate medical evaluation. Recognizing these symptoms early and seeking prompt medical attention can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
Sore Throat Symptoms
Symptoms of sore throat can vary. Here we have mentioned some symptoms:
- Pain or scratchy sensation in the throat.
- Pain worsens when swallowing or talking.
- difficulty swallowing
- Sore and swollen glands in the neck or jaw
- Swollen and red tonsils
- White patches or pus on your tonsils.
- A hoarse or muffled voice.
Read Also: General Handyman Services in Dubai: A Comprehensive Guide to Fixing Your Household Woes
Conclusion
To conclude, if you also suffer from any symptom of sore throat, consult a doctor for a cold or flu now. While most sore throats are caused by viral infections and will resolve on their own with supportive care, other causes like bacterial infections, allergies, dry air, irritants, GERD, muscle strain, and tumors require specific interventions.