Sore Throat: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

 

A sore throat is characterized by pain, dryness, or scratching in the throat. Pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and laryngitis are three types of sore throats that are classified according to the area of the throat they affect.

What is Sore Throat?

A sore throat is defined by pain, dryness, or itching in the throat.

A scratchy, uncomfortable feeling in the back of your throat is called a sore throat. Speaking of swallowing may pain if you have a sore throat. Sore throats can be caused by a variety of factors, including allergies, sleeping with your mouth open, and bacterial and viral infections. The majority of sore throat symptoms pass after a few days. If your sore throat worsens, lasts more than a week, or you experience other symptoms like fever or swollen lymph nodes, you should see a doctor.

One of the most prevalent symptoms, throat pain represents almost 2%of all adult primary care visits yearly.

According to the part of the throat they impact, sore throats can be classified as:

• Itchy and swollen throats are the result of pharyngitis.

• The soft tissue in the back of the mouth called the tonsils swells and becomes red when someone has tonsillitis.

• The larynx, or voice box, becomes red and swollen when someone has laryngitis.

Also Read: 12 Best Home Remedies for Cold and Flu

Symptoms:

In addition to sore throat pain, symptoms of a sore throat can include:

• High temperature.
• Upset stomach.
• Headache
• Swollen lymph nodes.
• Congestion in the nose (stuffy nose).
• Runny nose.
• Cough.
• Fatigued.
• A harsh voice.

Causes:

The majority of sore throats are caused by viral infections, such as the flu or the common cold. A sore throat may indicate one of the following illnesses or problems:

Bacterial infection: Two types of bacterial infections that can cause sore throats include strep throat and bacterial sinus infections.

Tonsillitis: Your throat's two tiny soft tissue lumps at the rear are called tonsils, and they can cause tonsillitis. They capture the pathogens that cause illness. When your tonsils get infected and inflamed, it results in tonsillitis. Tonsillitis can be brought on by viruses or bacteria.

Acid reflux: People who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) feel throat pain and burning. Acid reflux from the stomach causes this sensation, which is known as heartburn when it backs up into your esophagus. The tube that transports food from your throat to your stomach is called your esophagus.

Excessive use or irritants: Screaming or yelling can cause throat strain. Eating spicy food, smoking, or consuming extremely hot beverages can also cause sore throats.

Mouth breathing: Breathing via your mouth when you sleep, as opposed to your nose, can cause sore throats.

Allergies: Your throat may become dry and itchy due to an allergic reaction to mold, dust mites, pollen, or pets. Postnasal drip, or mucus from your nose dripping down the back of your throat, causes sore throats caused by allergies. The mucous hurts and irritates your throat.

 Diagnosis:

During the examination, the doctor will inquire about your symptoms and examine the back of your throat for redness, swelling, and white spots using a light. The doctor may also palpate the sides of your neck to check for swollen glands.

Your doctor will require a throat culture if they think you have strep throat. To check for strep throat bacteria, the doctor will swab the back of your throat and take a sample. The doctor can receive the results of a fast strep test in a matter of minutes.

A lab will test the sample to confirm the diagnosis. It takes one to two days for a lab test to confirm that you have strep throat.

A throat culture can also be used to screen for gonorrhea or chlamydia, two other bacterial infections. To rule out mononucleosis, another option is to perform a mononucleosis spot test or mono antibody test.

To determine the exact cause of your sore throat, you may occasionally require additional testing. You can consult an otolaryngologist, sometimes known as an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, who specializes in treating diseases of the throat.

How are sore throats treated by medical professionals?

The cause of your sore throat will determine how to treat it. For instance, if you have a cold and your throat is hurting, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter medicine to treat both your sore throat and your cold symptoms. A medical professional might prescribe medications to treat the bacterial infection causing strep throat. Additional therapies for particular causes could be:

Antihistamine drugs are available over-the-counter: Sore throats can result from allergies-related postnasal drip. Postnasal drip may become dry with antihistamines.

Over-the-counter antacids: Antacids can relieve sore throats and heartburn caused by acid reflux. Other actions, such as avoiding eating big meals right before bed, might be helpful.



Also Read: 6 Remedies for a Sore Throat

How do I treat my sore throat?

The symptoms of sore throats may be relieved by sucking on hard candies or throat lozenges. Additional recommendations are as follows:

Drink warm liquids: Broth or bouillon, as well as tea with lemon and honey, can soothe itchy, dry throats.

Apply ice: Consumption of popsicles or ice chips can ease sore throat pain.

Use a vaporizer or humidifier: Adding moisture to the environment, especially your bedroom at night, relieves dry throats.

Rest: You might try resting your voice if you have a sore throat from shouting, screaming, singing, or simply talking a lot.

Even more rest: Make an effort to obtain as much sleep as you can, ideally eight hours each night.

Avoid irritants: Smoking, secondhand smoke, spicy food, and very hot liquids can all irritate sore throats. If you smoke, please consider giving up cigars or cigarettes for a short period.

Prevention:

Sore throats are frequently caused by viral diseases, such as the flu and colds. By avoiding colds and the flu, you can lessen your painful throat. To that end, a few methods include:

• Washing your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizers that contain alcohol.

• Staying away from those who are coughing and sneezing.

• When spending time with someone who is coughing and sneezing, refrain from sharing food, drinks, or utensils.

• Having received a flu vaccination.