We have all experienced a sore throat at some point, and it’s definitely no pleasant experience. But what really causes this all-too-familiar annoyance? And just how common is this pesky symptom?
You heard that right. Sore throat is not an illness in and of itself but rather a symptom of an underlying condition. The following are some of the common causes of sore throat.
1. Viral Infections
Viruses are the main cause of 85-95% of sore throats among adults. Viral infections like the flu, common cold, measles, chickenpox, mumps, and COVID-19 may lead to a sore throat. These viral infections are usually highly contagious and spread easily via personal contact or infected saliva (when infected people cough or sneeze).
Some people with viral sore throat experience mild symptoms while others develop painful conditions that make it difficult to talk or swallow. A viral sore throat can be treated with antibiotics and will most likely go away on its own, but there are home remedies to ease the pain and irritation. Common natural remedies include honey, saltwater gargle, and chamomile tea. We recommend Save the Throat Tea as it has all the best active ingredients to alleviate a sore throat.
Some people also resort to over-the-counter medications for sore throat like lozenges and sore throat spray. But rather than spending more money on these OTC medications every time you have a sore throat (which is pretty frequent at 2-3 times a year on average), you can make a one-time investment in a wearable device to ease sore throat infection. The innovative device is called Therathroat which is worn around the neck to target the affected area with therapeutic heat. It promotes muscle relaxation, loosens the mucus, and makes it easier to breathe, talk, and swallow.
2. Bacterial infection
Bacterial is the next common cause of sore throat. About 15% of sore throats are caused by bacteria called strep or streptococcus. A throat culture or a rapid strep test can help identify whether the sore throat is bacterial. If the presence of bacteria is confirmed, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics medication. Amoxicillin or Penicillin is usually prescribed for 10 days to treat the bacterial infection. Make sure to complete the entire course of antibiotics to avoid recurring problems. Pain relievers may also help alleviate throat pain and Therathroat can also offer fast sore throat relief.
3. Allergies
A sore throat can also be caused by allergies. Common allergies that can cause sore throat includes grass, pollen, pet dander, dust mites, mold and mildew, and even cigarette smoke. When our immune system responds to an allergy trigger, the chemicals released can cause symptoms such as watery eyes, sneezing, nasal congestion, and throat irritation. Excess mucus in the nose can trickle down the back of the throat, also called the postnasal drip.
4. GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
GERD or Acid reflux happens when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, thereby irritating its lining. The irritation can lead to wheezing, dry cough, or sore throat. There’s also another kind of reflux called silent reflux that can cause stomach acid to travel up into the throat. Other symptoms of acid reflux include nausea, heartburn, and indigestion. People usually experience GERD after eating acidic, spicy, or fatty foods. Pregnant women are also prone to GERD.
You can know that the sore throat is due to acid reflux if you feel like you have a lump in your throat, experience a burning sensation in the throat, or have continuous dry cough, and vocal hoarseness. Symptoms of acid reflux can be so misleading that some doctors may misdiagnose sore throat from acid reflux as chronic or recurrent tonsillitis.
To avoid all GERD symptoms in general, treat acid reflux effectively through diet modification and OTC medicines like antacids.
5. Straining the Voice
Straining your voice can cause inflammation of the voice box or larynx, also known as laryngitis. Sore throat is one of the common symptoms of laryngitis. Other symptoms include mild fever, voice hoarseness, irritating cough, and difficulty speaking.
Avoid shouting or singing too loudly or for prolonged durations. If you strain your voice, your vocal cords will be forced to work harder which causes stress and tension to the surrounding tissues. People who need to use their voice extensively can learn methods to use their voice without causing harm to their larynx.
6. Dry Air
Low humidity levels can lead to dry air. When you use air conditioning too much, live in high altitudes or a desert climate, or get exposed to smoke, dry air can happen. Dry air tends to irritate the throat’s mucus membranes which causes discomfort and inflammation. When the air is dry, our throat becomes dry too. This makes the tissues more vulnerable to infection. It’s easier for germs to enter and cause infection if there’s a general lack of moisture.
You can avoid dry air-induced sore throat by using an air humidifier at home. Just make sure to clean your humidifier regularly to avoid mold and bacteria. It’s also important to stay hydrated and keep your space well-ventilated. If your sore irritation persists for over a week and other symptoms like fever and difficulty in breathing occur, consult your doctor.
7. Environmental Irritants
There are a lot of environmental irritants that can lead to sore throat. These include perfumes, smoke, air pollution, chlorine, air fresheners, cleaning products, and other chemicals.
The throat is a vulnerable and sensitive part of the body, and environmental factors can easily cause inflammation, irritation, and discomfort. Prolonged exposure to these environmental irritants can cause persistent sore throat or Chronic Pharyngitis. It’s important to know the environmental trigger, so you can know what to avoid and how to make the necessary lifestyle changes. Stay hydrated and avoid environmental irritants to avoid worsening your condition.
If your sore throat is accompanied by fever and breathing difficulty or the condition has lasted for over 10 days, it’s best to see a healthcare professional to know the underlying condition and receive the necessary treatment.
8. Smoking
Smoking can cause all sorts of bodily hazards, but the biggest impact can be on your airways, lungs, and throat. If you smoke regularly or are exposed to secondhand smoke, you may experience frequent scratchiness and irritation to your throat. This is due to the hot and dry air that takes moisture out of your throat. Cigarettes also have toxins that can irritate or damage the tissues around the throat, leading to discomfort or pain. This is why smokers tend to experience swollen throat and frequent coughing. The symptoms can worsen if one has pre-existing health conditions like bronchitis, asthma, or emphysema.
The obvious solution to avoid sore throat from smoking is to quit the habit. Though it’s easier said than done, it’s the long-term solution for the throat to fully recover. It’s also important to stay hydrated to keep the throat area lubricated, which then lessens the pain and discomfort. Hydrate with cold water and try to avoid too much caffeine and alcohol to avoid further irritation.
9. Trauma or injury
A sore throat can also happen due to trauma or injury. Whether it’s an injury during a fall, choking, sports-related injury, physical assault or any form of physical strain, it can lead to throat contusion or bruise, which then sets off a sore throat.
Throat contusion can cause throat pain, hoarseness, changes in voice tone, swollen neck, difficulty swallowing, skin discoloration, difficulty breathing, or in serious cases, spitting blood. A doctor will do a physical evaluation to assess the severity of the injury. The injury is usually examined using flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy. Other tests that can support trauma assessment include endoscopy, CT scan, and bronchoscopy.
The treatment will depend on the extent and severity of the injury. The doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications as well as pain relievers. Applying ice packs, resting the voice, elevating the head of the bed, breathing humidified air, and taking anti-reflux medicines could also help. Severely injured patients may have to go through speech therapy.
If you suffered a neck injury that resulted in difficulty swallowing and breathing, spitting blood, changes in voice tone, and severe pain and swelling, visit your doctor immediately.
10. Oral thrush
Oral thrush is also called oral candidiasis, a fungal infection that occurs due to candida yeast overgrowth in the throat and mouth. Sore throat is one of its primary symptoms. Candida yeast is naturally present in the mouth, but when the balance of microorganisms in the area is disrupted, candida overgrowth could take place. Signs of oral thrush include soreness and burning sensation in the throat and mouth; creamy white lesions on inner cheeks, tongue, tonsils, and gums; and loss of taste or shifted taste perception.
Oral thrush is accompanied by sore throat because the fungal infection causes irritation and inflammation. Antifungal medications can be used for treatment, including oral rinses, tablets, and lozenges. Make sure to follow the prescribed treatment and do not stop the medication prematurely to avoid recurrence.
To avoid oral thrush, practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day, use antifungal mouthwash, and clean dentures (if applicable). Consult your physician if you suspect you have oral thrush for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing a scratchy sensation in your throat, pain while talking or swallowing, or swollen lymph nodes, it’s best to consult your doctor to identify the underlying cause and receive a proper treatment plan. Never make the mistake of taking antibiotics right away because as mentioned above, over 85% of sore throat infections are viral.
To alleviate pain and promote a speedy recovery, consider sore throat solutions like Therathroat. We offer a wearable sore throat device for sore throat relief and a soothing tea packed with all the best ingredients for speedy sore throat recovery. Seek appropriate care and maintain overall well-being by taking care of your throat and avoiding possible irritants and triggers.