What Causes Sore Throats?
Sore throats can be caused by a wide range of conditions. Among some of the most common:
Viral Infections
Most sore throats are caused by a viral infection, like the cold or flu. They can also be caused by – and signal the onset of – more serious viral infections, such as mononucleosis (mono), measles, chickenpox or croup, which is common in young children.
In most cases of viral infections, a doctor will tell you to let the virus run its course and suggest home remedies to manage the symptoms, including over-the-counter (OTC) medications, clear fluids and rest.
Bacterial Infections
Like viral infections, bacterial infections are common causes for sore throats, and many childhood illnesses, like strep throat or whooping cough, cause these aches.
The majority of bacterial infections will require antibiotics to treat the cause of the infection, along with home remedies to manage pain symptoms while you heal.
Dry Air
Especially during the winter months when heating systems dry out indoor air, dry air can cause the throat to feel painful and scratchy. If you are congested, breathing through your mouth can irritate your throat.
If you develop a dry, scratchy throat that’s especially painful in the mornings, try putting a humidifier near your bed.
Allergies
While most sore throats are the result of an infection, allergies -- which can range from mold or pollen to pet dander or environmental irritants -- can cause a condition called post-nasal drip, or excess mucus gathering in the back of the throat. This can contribute to irritation or inflammation, leading to a sore throat.
Allergy medications, along with a thorough cleaning to remove irritants or allergens from the home, can help ease these symptoms.
GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) also called acid reflux disease, is a condition in which stomach acid creeps into the esophagus. GERD causes sore throats, along with a range of other symptoms, including hoarseness, heartburn and chronic nausea. With GERD, patients may feel as though they have a lump in their throats.
Patients with GERD usually can manage the condition with over-the-counter antacids or medications, which reduce acid production. In more serious cases, a prescription-strength medication may be required, and in rare cases, surgery is performed to reinforce the lower esophageal sphincter and prevent reflux.
Smoking
Smoking can cause the throat to feel raw or achy, but other, more serious conditions, such as throat cancer, are also characterized by sore throats. If you are a smoker and develop a sore throat that won’t go away, make an appointment to see your doctor and rule out a more serious cause. You also should be examined if you develop symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, a lump on your neck, or bloody saliva or phlegm.
With all the dangers of smoking, the best solution is to quit. If you aren’t a smoker yourself but are being exposed to secondhand smoke, insist that the smoker takes the habit outside and away from you or anyone else who breathes the harsh chemicals.
HIV
Less commonly, HIV infection can present flu-like symptoms, which appear within a few weeks of contracting the infection. According to Mayo Clinic, people who have contracted HIV may suffer from chronic sore throats because of secondary infections, like oral thrush or cytomegalovirus.
If you recently had unprotected sex and develop flu-like symptoms without any other logical cause or explanation, an STD test can be taken to determine whether you may be HIV positive. Early detection and advancements in treatment are essential to preventing HIV from becoming full-blown AIDS.
Is It Serious?
Most sore throats will clear up on their own with the help of rest, home remedies, and over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers or throat lozenges. However, if you have a sore throat accompanied by difficulty breathing or swallowing, a fever higher than 101 degrees, a rash or bloody mucus, lump in your throat, or if your sore throat persists for more than a week, schedule an appointment with your doctor to check for signs of infection and to rule out serious conditions.
What Can I Do?
Understanding the likely cause of your sore throat will determine your best course of action in treating it. Sore throats in young children are most likely viral or bacterial in nature. If you notice that there are white patches in a child’s throat, or if your infant or toddler refuses to eat, it is a sign of an infection. You should make an appointment with the child’s pediatrician to get any necessary antibiotics.
If you develop a sore throat as an adult, there are some home remedies you can try to ease your symptoms:
Gargle with salt water: Gargling once an hour with a teaspoon of salt dissolved in 8 ounces of water helps reduce swelling and eases discomfort from sore throats.
Stay hydrated: Avoid irritating or sugary drinks but take in lots of warm fluids, like clear soups and tea.
Avoid allergens: If you believe your sore throat is a result of allergies, take a break from your backyard project or avoid triggers like smoke or household chemicals.
Take OTC medications: Throat lozenges help numb the throat and ease discomfort while ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help reduce the inflammation associated with a sore throat.
Invest in a humidifier: If your sore throat is caused by or exacerbated by dry, heated indoor air, a humidifier placed by your bed will help ease the painful symptoms. Some humidifiers, such as the Vicks Humidifier, also allow you to include active ingredients that will ease congestion and other symptoms.
Use a decongestant: If you are congested as well, a decongestant can help shrink swollen mucous membranes in the nose, making it easier for you to breathe through your nose. They also ease postnasal drip, which may cause a sore throat.
Don’t ignore it: Pain is the body’s way of letting us know that something is wrong. If you have a persistent sore throat, it may be the result of a bacterial infection, and your doctor may need to prescribe antibiotics. The longer you wait before seeking treatment, the more aggravated your throat will be, and the longer it will take to heal.