Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments of Sore Throat
A sore throat is characterized by discomfort, dryness, or itching in the throat. Pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and laryngitis are the three varieties of sore throats that are classified according to the area of the throat they affect.
What is a sore throat?

A sore throat is characterized by discomfort, dryness, or itching in the throat.
One of the most prevalent symptoms, throat pain represents almost 2%Trusted Source of all adult primary care visits annually.
The majority of sore throats are brought either by illnesses or external variables like dry air. Even though it can be irritating, sore throats typically go away on their own.
Based on the area of the throat they affect, there are many types of sore throats:
- The throat becomes swollen and painful when someone has 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 swollen and red when someone has laryngitis.
Symptoms of sore throat
Depending on the reason of the sore throat, several symptoms may appear. Throat pain can feel like:
- scratchy
- burning
- raw
- dry
- tender
- irritated
You might feel more pain when you speak or swallow. You may also have red tonsils or your throat.
On the tonsils, white patches or pus-filled areas can occasionally appear. Compared to a viral sore throat, strep throat is more likely to generate these white areas.
Your sore throat could be accompanied by other symptoms such as:
- nasal congestion
- runny nose
- sneezing
- cough
- fever
- chills
- swollen glands in the neck
- hoarse voice
- body aches
- headache
- trouble swallowing
- appetite loss
Viral vs. bacterial sore throat
Most often, viral diseases such as the flu, chickenpox, measles, and common cold result in sore throatsTrusted Source.
A viral sore throat will typically get better on its own with time and no medical intervention.
On the other hand, antibiotics may be necessary to treat a bacterial infection-related sore throat in order to avoid complications.

See a doctor to find out the cause and the best course of action if you have severe symptoms or if your sore throat persists for more than a week.
8 causes of sore throats
Sore throats can result from traumas or diseases. These are eight of the most typical reasons for sore throats.
1. Colds, the flu, and other viral infections
A viral infection is typically the cause of sore throats Trusted Source. The following viruses can lead to sore throats:
- the typical cold
- feverishness — the flu
- SARS-19
- The infectious disease mononucleosis is spread by saliva.
- Measles is characterized by a rash and fever.
- Chickenpox is characterized by a fever and an itchy, bumpy rash.
- Mumps is characterized by swelling of the salivary glands in the neck.
2. Strep throat and other bacterial infections
Sore throats can also result from bacterial infections. Streptococcus bacteria, which cause strep throat and tonsils, is the most prevalent cause of these infections.
About 20–30% of children’s cases of sore throats are caused by strep throat. A sore throat can also be brought on by tonsillitis and STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea.
3. Allergies
The immune system releases chemicals that result in symptoms like watery eyes, sneezing, nasal congestion, and throat discomfort when it reacts to allergy triggers including pollen, grass, and pet dander.
It’s possible for extra nasal mucus to trickle down the back of the throat. This might irritate the throat and is known as postnasal drip.
4. Dry air
The tongue and throat can become dry and itchy due to the dehydration caused by dry air. When the heater is running in the winter, the air is probably dry.

5. Smoke, chemicals, and other irritants
The throat is irritated by a wide range of chemicals and other environmental materials, including:
- any kind of smoke, including that from cigarettes,
- air pollution
- cleaning supplies, and other substance
- sprays with aerosols, like air fresheners
In the immediate aftermath of September 11, over 90% of rescue personnel (Trusted Source) reported having an acute cough; many of them also mentioned symptoms related to upper airways, such as sore throat and nasal congestion.
6. Injury
There are specific kinds of injuries that can hurt the throat. It might also become inflamed if food particles become lodged in your throat.
The throat muscles and vocal chords get strained with repeated use. Long-term loud speech, prolonged singing, or yelling can all cause sore throats. For instance, since they frequently have to yell, teachers and fitness instructors sometimes complain about sore throatsTrusted Source.
7. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
The illness known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is characterized by the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus, which is the tube that transports food from the mouth to the stomach.
Acid reflux, or the regurgitation of acid into the throat, is a symptom of acid burns to the esophagus and throat.
A sore throat can also result from laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), sometimes referred to as silent reflux, which is the reflux of stomach acid back up into the esophagus or throat.
8. Tumor
A less common cause of sore throats is a tumor of the tongue, voice box, or throat. A sore throat that doesn’t go away in a few days is indicative of malignancy.
Natural cures for sore throats

- Use a solution of warm water mixed with half to one teaspoon of salt to gargle.
- Sip warm drinks that ease sore throats, including warm water with lemon or soup broth.
- You can also drink hot tea with honey. Herbal teas are very effective at relieving sore throats.
- Eat something cold, like ice cream or a popsicle, to soothe your throat.
- Suck on a lozenge or a piece of hard candy.
- To bring moisture into the air, turn on a cool mist humidifier.
- Until your throat feels better, hold your voice down.
Ways to avoid having a sore throat
There are a few things you can do to assist prevent sore throats, even though they can’t always be avoided.
Here are a few strategies to avoid having a sore throat:Reliable Source:
- Avoid close contact with people who have colds, sore throats, or respiratory infections.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- If you smoke, think about giving it up and try to limit your exposure to secondhand smoke.
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