A sore throat is a common condition that
affects many people at some point in their lives. It can cause pain,
scratchiness, or irritation in the throat that may worsen when swallowing or
talking. A sore throat can also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as
fever, cough, runny nose, sneezing, body aches, headache, nausea, or vomiting.
Causes of Sore Throat
There are many possible causes of a sore throat, but the most frequent one is a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. Other viral infections that can cause a sore throat include mono (mononucleosis), measles, chickenpox, croup, and COVID-19. Viral infections usually resolve on their own within a week or two, and do not require antibiotics.
However, some sore throats are caused by
bacterial infections, which may need treatment with antibiotics to prevent
complications. The most common bacterial infection that causes a sore throat is
strep throat (streptococcal infection), which can lead to serious problems such
as rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation if left untreated. Other bacterial
infections that can cause a sore throat include chlamydia, gonorrhea,
diphtheria, and whooping cough.
Some less common causes of a sore throat
include allergies, irritants, dry air, acid reflux, tumors, or injuries.
How to diagnose a sore throat
To diagnose the cause of a sore throat, a
doctor will ask about the symptoms and examine the throat with a light. The
doctor may also feel the neck for swollen glands or check the ears and nose for
signs of infection.
If the doctor suspects strep throat or another
bacterial infection, they may take a swab from the back of the throat and send
it to a lab for testing. This can confirm the presence of bacteria and help
determine the best antibiotic to use.
If the doctor suspects mono or another viral
infection, they may order a blood test to check for antibodies or antigens.
Sometimes, more tests may be needed to rule
out other causes of a sore throat, such as allergies, acid reflux, or tumors.
These tests may include allergy testing, chest X-ray, endoscopy, or biopsy.
How to treat a sore throat
The treatment of a sore throat depends on the
cause and severity of the condition. Some general tips for soothing a sore
throat include:
- - Drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and thin mucus
- - Gargling with warm salt water solution to reduce inflammation and pain
- - Sucking on lozenges, or hard candy to moisten and cool the throat
- - Using a humidifier or vaporizer to add moisture to the air and ease breathing
- - Avoiding smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke and other irritants
- - Resting the voice and avoiding shouting or whispering
For pain relief, over-the-counter medications
such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), or naproxen (Aleve) can be
taken as directed. However, children and teenagers should not take aspirin
because of the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition that
affects the brain and liver.
For bacterial infections such as strep throat,
antibiotics are prescribed to kill the bacteria and prevent complications. It
is important to finish the entire course of antibiotics even if the symptoms
improve, to avoid recurrence or resistance.
For viral infections such as colds or flu,
antiviral medications may be prescribed in some cases to shorten the duration
and severity of the illness. However, these medications are not effective for
all types of viruses and need to be taken within 48 hours of the onset of
symptoms. Antiviral medicines are not prescribed for most cases because the
infection will resolve on its own.
For allergies or acid reflux, medications such
as antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays, or proton pump inhibitors may
be recommended to reduce inflammation and mucus production.
For other causes of a sore throat such as
tumors or injuries, surgery or other procedures may be needed to remove or
repair the affected tissue.
How to prevent a sore throat
Some preventive measures that can help reduce the risk of getting a sore throat include:
- - Washing hands frequently with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- - Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
- - Covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
- - Disinfecting frequently touched surfaces
- - Getting vaccinated against diseases that can cause a sore throat such as measles, chickenpox, flu, COVID-19, diphtheria, and whooping cough
- - Practicing good oral hygiene and dental care
- - Eating a healthy diet and avoiding spicy or acidic foods that can irritate the throat
- - Drinking enough water and avoiding alcohol and caffeine that can dehydrate the body
- - Managing stress and getting enough sleep
When to see a doctor
A sore throat is usually not a serious
condition and often goes away on its own. However, some signs and symptoms may
indicate a more severe or complicated infection that needs medical attention.
These include:
- - A sore throat that lasts longer than a week
- - Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or opening the mouth
- - Severe pain or swelling in the throat, neck, or face
- - Fever higher than 101°F (38.3°C)
- - Blood in the saliva or phlegm
- - White patches or pus on the tonsils
- - A rash or joint pain
- - A lump or hoarseness in the voice that lasts more than two weeks
- - Recurrent or persistent sore throats
If you or your child experience any of these
symptoms, you should see a doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis and
treatment.
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