Sore throat (pharyngitis) is an irritation, scratchiness, or pain commonly caused by a viral infection like cold or flu. the pain worsens when you swallow. sore throat caused by a virus resolves on its own while other less common causes of the sore throat like Streptococcal infection may require treatment. Read on to find out the causes, symptoms and prevention.
The symptoms of sore throat vary depending on the causes. this may include:
other symptoms of sore throat that are caused by an infection.
A sore throat may be caused by viruses and in few cases, may be caused by bacterial infection.
Viral infections
Viral illnesses that cause a sore throat include:
Bacterial infections
There is a number of bacterial infections that can cause a sore throat and the most common is Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus) which causes strep throat.
Also Read: List Of Diseases Caused By Bacteria
Other causes of a sore throat include:Allergies.
You may be allergic to pet dander, dust, pollen, etc, which may be complicated by postnasal drip that can irritate and inflame the throat. this can be the cause of a sore throat.
Dryness.
when you breathe through your mouth often because you have chronic nasal congestion, this can cause dryness and lead to a sore throat. a sore throat can also be caused by dry indoor air too.
Irritants.
both indoor and outdoor air pollution such as tobacco smoke or chemicals can cause a chronic sore throat. Chewing tobacco, drinking alcohol, and eating spicy foods also can irritate your throat.
Muscle strain.
you may develop a sore throat from straining muscles in your throat by yelling, talking loudly, or talking for long periods without rest.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
GERD is a digestive system disorder in which stomach acids back up in the food pipe (esophagus).
Other signs or symptoms may include heartburn, hoarseness, regurgitation of stomach contents, and the sensation of a lump in your throat.
HIV infection
one of the early signs that appear in a person with HIV is sore throat and flu. HIV patients might also have a chronic and recurring sore throat due to either fungal or viral infection.
Tumors
A sore throat can be caused by cancerous tumors of the throat, tongue, or voice box (larynx). in addition to sore throat, other signs or symptoms may include hoarseness,
difficulty swallowing,
The following are factors that make you more susceptible to a sore throat.
Age
Age 3 to 15 is more likely to have strep throat which is the most common bacterial infection associated with a sore throat.
Exposure to tobacco smoke
people who smoke or are exposed to secondhand smoke are likely to get a sore throat. smoke can irritate the throat and tobacco products also increase the risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, and voice box.
Allergies
An ongoing or seasonal allergic reaction to dust, molds, or pet dander makes you more likely to develop a sore throat
Exposure to household chemicals or particles from burning fossil fuels in the air can cause throat irritation.
You are more likely to get viral and bacterial infections from close gatherings in classrooms, offices, airplanes, and other public places.
Generally, you are more susceptible to infections if your immunity is weak. the common causes of weak immunity include HIV, diabetes, treatment with steroids or chemotherapy drugs, stress, fatigue, and poor diet.
you can prevent sore throat by avoiding germs that can cause them and practicing good hygiene. the following tip will help a great deal.
Sore throat is treated based on its cause. Antiviral medicine may be prescribed for a sore throat caused by flu and it goes away in 7 to 10 days while antibiotics will be prescribed for a sore throat caused by bacteria. You may need to visit your doctor if the cause is not clear.
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Naturopathic Doctor & Founder, Green Remedies Int’l
Coach Amuda is a Holistic Practitioner and the C.E.O of Green Remedies International, a wellness company that specializes in tackling different health challenges through Natural, Organic, and Holistic Medicines.
Green Remedies Internation is a Nigerian Natural Herbal Treatment company that specializes in tackling different health challenges through Natural, Organic, and Traditional Medicines.
