A sore throat can be painful, annoying, and just enough to hold you back from living your day to day life in comfort. This is often times accommodated by other issues, such a runny nose and a cough.
While you should never take any sickness lightly, most people find that their sore throat is not serious. Instead, this is caused by a viral infection, bacterial infection, or an external irritant, such as allergens.
Sore Throat Causes
Viral Infections
- The common cold
- Voice box infection, also known as laryngitis
- Mononucleosis, a viral infection that can last several months and cause many symptoms, including a sore throat
- Mumps
Bacterial Infections
- Strep throat, which is the most common bacterial infection leading to a sore throat
- Infection of the tonsils
- Inflammation of the epiglottis, also known as epiglottitis
- Inflammation of the uvula, also known as uvulitis
External Irritant
- Allergens during particular times of the year, especially spring and fall
- Low humidity
- Smoke
- Air pollution
Sore Throat Symptoms
The symptoms associated with your sore throat depend largely on the cause. Here are some of the most common sore throat symptoms:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Pain in the throat
- Pain that worsens with swallowing
- Pain that worsens with talking
- Dry throat
- Swollen tonsils
- Red tonsils
- Swollen glands in your jaw or neck
- Hoarse voice
A sore throat caused by a virus or bacterial infection can often lead to additional symptoms, such as:
- Fever
- Cough
- Chills
- Body aches
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
Sore Throat Treatment
The way you treat your sore throat will depend on the cause, as well as whether you are willing to obtain medical advice.
There are many basic ways to deal with sore throat pain, including the use of lozenges, cough syrup, and home remedies such as saltwater gargling.
An anti-inflammatory can help treat the inflammation and pain that is associated with a sore throat.
An antibiotic, prescribed by a doctor, is one of the best treatment options for a sore throat caused by a bacterial infection.
Visit a Doctor
Since a sore throat is typically simple to treat on your own, most people don’t schedule a doctor’s appointment every time they are faced with this ailment. However, if the problem persists and/or you are faced with serious symptoms, it is imperative to receive immediate medical advice.