Sore Throat Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment Options

What is Sore Throat?

Almost everyone gets a sore throat at one time or another. Children tend to have them more often than adolescents or adults. Sore throats are most common during the winter months when upper respiratory infections (colds) are more frequent.

Sore throat (pharyngitis) is a painful inflammation of the pharynx, which is the part of the throat that lies between the mouth and the larynx (voice box). Sore throat is often a symptom of various illnesses such as colds and flu, glandular fever, respiratory tract infections, tonsillitis, and chickenpox. While most sore throats heal without complications, in some cases, they develop into a serious illness.

Causes of Sore Throat

The major cause of sore throat is infection. Sore throat may be caused by either viral or bacterial infections. But it can also be caused by allergies and environmental conditions.

Viral Sore Throat

Approximately 90% of sore throats are caused by viral infections. There is no simple way to distinguish a viral sore throat from a bacterial sore throat. Viral sore throats are quite contagious. They can be spread by personal contact and by coughing or sneezing. Cold and flu viruses are the main culprits. When a stuffy-runny nose, sneezing, and generalized aches and pains accompany the sore throat, it is probably caused by virus. For a viral infection, no antibiotic is usually needed and the infection can be expected to run a four to six day course.

Another group o

viruses that cause sore throat are the adenoviruses. The adenoviruses usually cause infections of the lungs and ears. Adenoviruses may cause white bumps on the tonsils and throat, diarrhea, vomiting, and a rash. Sore throat caused by adenoviruse lasts about a week.

One particular virus responsible for causing sore throat is the coxsackie virus. This virus causes a disease known as herpangina, which occurs most commonly among children under the age of ten and is most common during the summer. It is sometimes called summer sore throat. Summer sore throat can be quite severe. Symptoms include a high fever and the presence of tiny grayish-white blisters on the throat and mouth. The blisters erupt in a few days and are followed by a scab which may be very painful.

Mononucleosis (mono) is a viral infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, a member of the herpesvirus group. This virus lodges in the lymph system, causing massive enlargement of the tonsils and swollen glands in the neck, armpits and groin. Mono can affect the liver, leading to jaundice (yellow skin and eyes). One of the main signs of mono is a sore throat that may last for 1 to 4 weeks. Mono is a severe illness in a teenager or young adult, but it is less severe in a child. Symptoms caused by mononucleosis can last for 4 weeks or more.

Bacterial Sore Throat

About 10% of all sore throats are caused by bacteria.

The most common bacterial sore throat is caused by a bacterium called group A Streptococcus. This type of sore throat is called strep throat. The pain of strep throat often feels much like sore throats caused by other bacteria or by viruses. The tonsils often swell and become coated and the throat is sore. The patient may have a high temperature, sour breath and may feel quite ill. If strep throat isn't treated it can sometimes result in rheumatic fever, which can damage the valves of the heart.

The most dangerous throat infection is epiglottitis, caused by bacteria that infect a portion of the larynx (voice box) and cause swelling that closes the airway. This infection is an emergency condition that requires prompt medical attention. Suspect it when swallowing is extremely painful (causing drooling), when speech is muffled and when breathing becomes difficult.

Noninfectious Sore Throat

Not all sore throats result from viral or bacterial infections. Sore throats can also be caused by allergies and environmental irritation. These forms of sore throat are not contagious.

Allergy: The same pet dander, molds and pollens that trigger allergic reactions such as red, swollen eyes and a runny nose can also cause a sore throat. Cat and dog danders and house dust are common causes of sore throats for people with allergies to them.

Irritation: Many materials in the environment can also irritate the pharynx. Such irritants include cigarette smoke, polluted air, chemical fumes, and dry air. During the cold winter months, dry heat may create a recurring, mild sore throat with a parched feeling, especially in the mornings.

Symptoms of Sore Throat

The symptoms for a sore throat caused by both bacterial and viral causes are the same:

• pain in the throat
• pain and difficulty in swallowing
• red throat
• swollen tonsils
• coated tonsils
• swollen neck glands
• pus covering the throat or white spots
• coughing
• fever

If the sore throat is due to a viral infection the symptoms are usually milder.

Sore Throat Treatment

The treatment of sore throat will vary according to the cause. Sore throats are usually mild and can be treated at home with over-the-counter remedies available from your local pharmacy. They usually get better on their own, in 3-7 days. It is extra rare for antibiotics to be needed. This is only the case when the sore throat is the result of a serious bacterial infection.

Sore throat treatment and comfort measures:

• Strep throat requires antibiotics. Sometimes it is difficult to determine whether the cause is viral or bacterial, so antibiotics may be prescribed as a precaution.
• Pain relievers - nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen) are often more effective pain relievers than acetaminophen (Tylenol). These medications reduce pain and fever that accompany a sore throat. Children should not be given aspirin because of the risk of Reye's syndrome.
• Salt water gargle can be a good way to relieve a sore throat. It help soothe the irritated throat and reduces swelling in the tissues. This is the safest, least expensive and probably the most effective treatment of a sore throat.
• Use over-the-counter throat lozenges every couple of hours or hard candy. It can help relieve sore throat and cough. It does stimulate saliva production, which bathes and cleanses your throat.
• Drinking enough fluids is very important, warm drinks may be especially soothing. Avoid caffeine because it can cause water loss.
• Get plenty of rest. Getting extra sleep can promote more rapid recovery, especially if a virus is the cause.
• Avoid smoking or being around smoke and other throat irritants.
• Humidify the air. Adding moisture to the air prevents your mucous membranes from drying out. This can reduce irritation and make it easier to sleep. Hot, dry air will aggravate sore throat.
• Take a high-potency multivitamin and the herb echinacea to build up your immune system.

By: Yury Bayarski