A sore throat is a painful, dry, irritating or scratchy feeling in the throat. Well, throat pain is one of the commonest symptoms that accounts for more than 2% of annual adult hospital visits. Infections or environmental factors are reasons for most sore throats. Though it is unpleasant, it will generally settle on its own.
Sore throats are categorized into different types, based on the part of the throat they affect:
Pharyngitis results in swelling and soreness in the throat.
Tonsillitis is swelling and redness of the tonsils.
Laryngitis is a condition that results in swelling and redness of the voice box.
Shop From Our Wide Range Of Lozenges And Herbal Teas To Manage Sore Throat
Sore Throat Symptoms
The symptoms of a sore throat usually vary depending on what causes it and sore throat can feel:
- Scratchy
- Burning
- Dry
- Tender
- Irritated
Also, you may feel pain while swallowing or talking. Tonsils will look red and inflamed. At times white patches or pus will form on the tonsils, while white patches are more commonly seen in strep throat than in sore throat caused by a virus.
Other Symptoms Include:
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Fever
- Chills
- Swollen glands in the neck
- Hoarse voice
- Body pain
- Headache
- Poor appetite
Causes Of Sore Throats
Generally, the causes of sore throats vary from infections to injuries. Here we have listed eight of the most common causes of sore throat.
Cold/Flu And Viral Infections
The most common cause of sore throat is a viral infection and among the viral illnesses that cause sore throats include:
- Common cold
- Influenza — the flu
- COVID-19
- Mononucleosis is an infectious disease that’s spread by salvia
- Measles is an infection that results in fever and rashes
- Chickenpox is an infection that causes fever, an itchy, bump rash
- Mumps is an infection that causes swelling of the salivary glands.
Bacterial Infections
Bacterial infections can also cause sore throats and strep throat is the most common infection of the throat and tonsils is caused by group A Streptococcus bacterium. Strep throat causes about 39% of sore throat cases in children. Tonsilitis and sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhoea and chlamydia can also cause a sore throat.
Allergies
The immune system responds to allergy triggers like pollen, grass and pet dander that releases certain chemicals which cause symptoms like nasal congestion, watery eyes, sneezing and throat irritation.
While excess mucus in the nose can drip down the back of the throat and it is called postnasal drip which can irritate the throat.
Dry Air
Dry air can drain the moisture from the throat and mouth, leaving them feeling dry and scratchy. This usually happens during the winter season, when the air is mostly dry and with regular usage of the heater.
Smoke/Chemicals
Different types of chemicals and other harmful substances in the environment can irritate the throat, including:
- Smoke, including tobacco smoke
- Air pollution
- Cleaning products and other chemicals
- Air fresheners
Injury
Certain injuries can result in pain in the throat. Food getting stuck in the throat can irritate it. Constant use can strain the vocal cords and muscles in the throat and you may experience a sore throat after talking loudly or singing for a longer period. For instance, sore throats are common among teachers, and artists who have to continuously strain their voices.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition where acid from the stomach backs up into the oesophagus. The stomach acid burns the oesophagus and throat, resulting in heartburn, acid reflux and regurgitation of acid into the throat.
Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), also known as silent reflux is a condition that causes the acid from the stomach to flow back up into the oesophagus or throat resulting in a sore throat.
Tumour
A tumour growth in the throat, voice box or tongue is a rare cause of a sore throat. However, if a sore throat is a sign of cancer, it doesn’t settle after a few days.
HIV infection:
A person who is HIV positive may have a chronic or recurring sore throat due to a fungal infection called oral thrush or a viral infection called cytomegalovirus (CMV), which can be severe in people with compromised immune systems.
Also Read: 5 Home Remedies To Soothe Sore Throat And Cough
Risk Factors
A sore throat can affect anyone, however, there are certain factors that can up the risk including:
Age: Children are at higher risk of certain types of sore throat, including strep throat.
Season: Some types of infections are more during the winter season.
Exposure to Irritant: Smoking and pollution can trigger sore throat.
Hygiene: Improper hand washing can increase the risk of infection.
Certain Places: Schools and day-cares can increase the spread of infections that could cause a sore throat.
Vocal Strain: People who talk loudly, yell, or sing for long periods constantly can strain their vocal cords more easily, leading to a sore throat.
How To Prevent A Sore Throat?
Effective ways to follow to prevent sore throat, include:
- Keep your hand clean and wash regularly when soiled
- Limit contact with people who have respiratory infections, sore throats and colds
- Quit smoking and limit exposure to second-hand smoke as much as possible
