Sore Throat Symptoms and Causes

What is a sore throat?

When there is pain in the throat, problems like irritation, and scratching, become worse during swallowing.

Throat pain is the primary symptom of pharyngitis. Pharyngitis is the medical term for inflammation of the throat. But ‘throat pain’ and ‘pharyngitis’ are often considered to be the same and the two terms are used interchangeably.

The most common cause of throat pain is a viral infection, such as a cold or flu. Neck pain caused by a virus is cured with self and home care. One of the less common types of “strep throat” (is throat pain caused by bacteria). Additional treatment with antibiotics is required to prevent its complications.

Causes of throat pain

Viral infection: Viral infections are responsible for most cases of sore throat or sore throat. Some of the most common viral infections that cause a sore throat are the common cold, influenza (or flu) measles, mumps, chickenpox, Krupp, and mononucleosis.

Bacterial infection: Strep throat is a common bacterial infection that causes a sore throat. It is caused by exposure to Streptococcus bacteria. Children are at greater risk of strep throat than adults. Other bacterial infections that can cause a sore throat are tonsillitis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.

Exposure to allergies: Exposure to certain allergens (pollen, dust, pollutants, and pet dander) can cause an immune reaction that can lead to symptoms including sore throat.

Dry Air: Breathing dry air can cause a lack of moisture in the throat. Constant exposure to a dry throat can cause scratches and sore throat.

Smoking, chemicals, and other irritants: Exposure to smoke from cigarettes, air pollutants, and certain chemicals can cause irritation and sore throat.

Injury: Injury can be the cause of pain in the throat. Throat pain may cause injury, food talking, or swallowing food.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): GERD is a condition in which acid moves upward from the stomach into the esophagus. This acid damages the esophagus and throat and gives rise to symptoms such as heartburn, acid reflux, and throat pain.

Tumors: Pain in the throat can also occur from tumors of the tongue, tumors of the throat, or voice box. However, this is a rare cause.

Symptoms of throat pain:

Sore throat-like sensation.

Increased pain while swallowing and speaking.

Difficulty swallowing foods.

Drying of the throat

Swelling and pain in the glands of the neck.

Inflammation in the tonsils.

Blush

Hoarseness in voice.

Slowing of voice.

There is also pain in the lower ear.