CONDITIONS
Sore throat
Sore Throat- Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention
What is a sore throat
A sore throat or pharyngitis is a pain, scratchy feeling, or irritation in the back of the throat, often worse with swallowing and talking. The most common cause of sore throat is viral infections. Sore throat caused by a common cold virus does not require antibiotics but is treated with rest, pain medication, and other therapies to relieve symptoms. Bacterial sore throat or strep throat is caused by streptococcal infection and is treated with antibiotics.
What causes sore throat?
Viral infections are the most common cause of sore throat. These include the common cold, flu, measles, chickenpox, and coronavirus (COVID-19). Sore throats may be a symptom of the following conditions or issues:
- Bacterial infection: Strep throat and bacterial sinus infections are common bacterial infections that may cause sore throats.
- Allergies: Reactions to allergens like pollen or dust mites can lead to a dry, scratchy throat.
- Tonsillitis: Tonsillitis is inflammation (swelling) of the tonsils, often caused by bacteria or viruses. The symptoms may include sore throat and trouble swallowing.
- Acid reflux: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common digestive disorder. In this condition, the stomach acid moves up back to the esophagus or food pipe. People feel burning and pain in their throats.
- Overuse or irritants: Excessive shouting can strain the throat while eating spicy foods and smoking irritates the throat leading to sore throat.
- Mouth breathing: Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose while sleeping can also contribute to a sore throat.
What are the risk factors for sore throat?
- Age – Children and teenagers are more susceptible to throat infections. Children aged three to fifteen are more likely to have strep throat, the most common bacterial infection with a sore throat.
- Pollution and allergies – Living in a polluted environment and exposure to dust, pollen, and other allergens can irritate the throat leading to pain and irritation. Throat Inflammation can also increase the risk of catching bacterial and viral infections.
- Exposure to tobacco smoke – Both active smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke can irritate the throat lining, causing throat pain. Over a period, tobacco products increase the risk of developing mouth and throat cancer.
- Chronic or frequent sinus infections: Sinus drainage can irritate the throat or spread infection.
- Living in a close quarter: Viral and bacterial infections spread readily in public places where a lot of people come together, such as childcare centers, classrooms, offices, or airplanes.
- Weakened immune system: Low immunity significantly increases the risk of bacterial and viral infections. Common factors contributing to weakened immunity include conditions like HIV and diabetes, the use of steroids or chemotherapy drugs, as well as lifestyle factors such as stress, fatigue, and poor diet.
What are the symptoms of a sore throat?
Common symptoms of sore throat include:
- Soreness and irritation in the throat.
- Hoarseness of voice and difficulty speaking.
- Painful swallowing, especially when eating or drinking.
- Tender, swollen glands beneath the jaw.
- Red, Inflamed tonsils. White patches or pus on the tonsils.
- Depending on the underlying infection, symptoms like fever, cough, body aches, or nausea may accompany the sore throat.
How is sore throat diagnosed?
The doctors diagnose sore throat based on the symptoms and physical examination. The doctor will examine the ears, nose, back of the throat, and tonsils for signs of inflammation or infection.
Rapid Strep Test: A throat swab may be taken to test for Streptococcus bacteria, which causes strep throat.
How is sore throat treated?
Sore throats are treated based on the underlying cause.
A doctor may prescribe antibiotics if a bacterial infection causes a sore throat. Individuals must complete the entire course of medication, even if they start feeling better before finishing it.
Sore throat caused by the viral infection usually gets better in 5 to 7 days and does not require antibiotics. Pain relievers like acetaminophen can help manage discomfort and fever. Pediatric versions of these medications are suitable for children.
A few home care strategies that may help with symptomatic relief include:
- Rest
- Staying well hydrated by drinking plenty of water
- Drinking warm liquids
- Gargling with warm salty water
- Avoiding irritants like smoking, spicy foods, secondhand smoke, and very hot liquids that irritate the throat
- Sucking on throat lozenges
- Steam Inhalation helps moisturize the upper airway and helps in the removal of secretions and exudates.
How can sore throat be prevented?
Sore throats are often caused by viral infections such as colds and flu. Taking measures to protect oneself against these illnesses can help reduce the occurrence of sore throats. Some ways to achieve this include:
- Wash hands thoroughly and frequently, especially after sneezing or coughing.
- Avoid touching the nose, eyes, and mouth.
- Cough and sneeze into your sleeve (at the inner elbow)
- Cover mouth with tissues while sneezing or coughing
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are unavailable.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Avoid cigarette smoke and polluted air
In conclusion, sore throat is one of the most common conditions affecting most of us. Viral infections like colds, influenza, measles, and chickenpox are the most common causes. Strep throat, caused by a streptococcal bacterial infection, is less frequent and typically presents with fever, absence of cough, and swollen lymph nodes. Other factors contributing to sore throats include allergies, dry air, pollution, vocal strain from prolonged yelling or loud talking, and acid reflux. Though most of the time, it resolves on its own, it is essential to schedule an appointment with a doctor if there is a persistent sore throat, swelling or lump in the neck, blood in the saliva, trouble breathing, ear pain, or have a high fever.
References
1. UpToDate. Patient education: Sore throat in adults (Beyond the Basics) Available from: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/sore-throat-in-adults-beyond-the-basics. Accessed on 18th April 2024
2. Sore throat (pharyngitis). Available from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sore-throat Accessed on 18th April 2024
3. Cleveland Clinic. Sore throat (pharyngitis). Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8274-sore-throat-pharyngitis Accessed on 18th April 2024
4. Mayo Clinic. Sore Throat. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sore-throat/symptoms-causes/syc-20351635 Accessed on 18th April 2024
