Sometimes accompanied by sore throat and high fever , a sore throat can have numerous causes , from viral or bacterial infections to more or less serious underlying conditions. Although in many cases, sore throat tends to resolve spontaneously within a few days, in other situations it can persist longer and require medical attention . After making an accurate diagnosis and identifying the cause of the problem, the doctor will be able to prescribe an appropriate treatment .
In this article, we’ll analyze the most common causes of sore throats, including the symptoms to watch out for, the most common remedies, and ways to prevent them.
What is a sore throat?
When we talk about sore throat, we generally refer to a painful condition affecting the pharynx, more properly known as pharyngitis . Depending on the underlying cause, the condition can be acute , appearing suddenly and resolving rapidly within a few days, or chronic . In the latter case, the pain can last a long time and require targeted therapy to reduce the symptoms and resolve the underlying problem.
The main causes of pharyngitis: viral and bacterial infections
The primary causes of sore throat include infections , which can be either viral or bacterial in origin. The main viruses responsible for viral pharyngitis are those that cause the common cold, namely rhinoviruses and coronaviruses , which naturally lead to the onset of the typical symptoms of this pathology, causing, in addition to a sore throat, also a runny nose, red eyes, and sneezing. Other viruses that can contribute to the onset of pharyngitis include influenza viruses , as well as those causing herpes , measles , and mononucleosis .
As for bacterial pharyngitis , the main culprits are streptococcus , which particularly affects children. Other culprits include Bordetella pertussis , the bacteria that causes whooping cough, and Corynebacterium diphtheriae , the bacteria that causes diphtheria. Bacterial tonsillitis can also lead to sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and sore throat.
Acid reflux and sore throat
Another cause of sore throat is gastroesophageal reflux , a condition caused by the reflux of stomach acid into the pharynx. This problem may be caused by excessive gastric secretion, problems with the esophageal sphincter, hiatal hernia, the use of certain medications, unhealthy lifestyle habits, or a family history.
In this case, the sore throat is associated with further very characteristic symptoms, including retrosternal pain , regurgitation , a sweet taste in the mouth and cough .
Allergic pharyngitis
Some allergies can also lead to the onset of a sore throat, causing irritation and difficulty swallowing. The main allergens responsible for pharyngitis include mold , common in humid environments, dust , pollen , and animal hair .
Other factors that can lead to the appearance of sore throat
Pharyngitis can also be caused by numerous other factors, which can promote the growth of viruses and bacteria or irritate the throat. Among the most common are :
- excessive heat , especially when accompanied by dry weather
- staying in closed environments
- cigarette smoke
- the polluted air
- airborne irritants
- excessive strain of the throat muscles
To these must be added all the more serious pathologies which include, among the various symptoms, also sore throat, starting from laryngitis and tracheitis .
Symptoms associated with sore throat
Symptoms associated with sore throat, which vary depending on the underlying cause, include :
- difficulty swallowing
- tickling or itching in the throat
- redness
- white plaques
- fever
- cough
- sneezing
- migraine
- rhinitis
Prevent and treat sore throat
To prevent sore throat, you can implement a few simple strategies, including taking supplements to strengthen the immune system, ensuring adequate humidity and ventilation in your home and work environments, eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and reducing exposure to irritants and allergens. It’s important to remember that supplements should not be considered a substitute for a balanced diet, and if you’re taking medications, they should be done only under the guidance of your doctor . If symptoms have already appeared and don’t seem to go away on their own or with the help of natural remedies within a few days, it’s always best to consult your doctor .
