Causes and Types of Sore Throat
Pharyngitis, the medical term for a sore throat, manifests through the above symptoms. They can vary depending on whether the infection is viral or bacterial.
Viral pharyngitis accounts for 70% to 90% of all cases of sore throat and is usually caused by rhinoviruses and adenoviruses.
A sore throat is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
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Red throat
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Runny or congested nose
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Dry cough
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Hoarse voice
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Redness of the eyes
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Diarrhea, especially in children
Some viruses cause painful sores in and around the mouth, including the lips
Bacterial pharyngitis can occur following a bacterial infection. It is usually caused by bacteria from the streptococcus group. Bacterial pharyngitis leads to a sore throat, pain when swallowing, and redness. These symptoms can be more severe and pronounced compared to those caused by viruses. Additional symptoms include:
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Fever above 38ºC (100.4ºF)
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Body aches and general malaise
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Enlarged tonsils with white spots
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Swollen, tender lymph nodes (swollen glands) in the neck
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Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, more commonly seen in children
Tonsillitis, or strep throat, is an inflammation of the tonsils. The main symptoms associated with this condition are:
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Red, swollen tonsils
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Severe pain when swallowing, noticeably difficult swallowing
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Abdominal pain
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Fever above 38.5ºC (101.3ºF)
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Headache
In addition, the throat responds with pain not only to microbial pathogens but also to other external environmental factors—various irritants and allergens. Triggering factors can include:
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Cigarette smoke and dust
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Dry air from artificial heating
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Allergies to pollen, household dust, or food
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Foreign objects, such as fish bones
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Chemical gases
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Prolonged speaking, for example when giving a lecture
Anyone whose profession requires frequent and prolonged speaking should practice professional voice use to avoid chronic throat inflammation.
Untreated Sore Throat
An untreated sore throat can significantly affect the lives of those suffering from it.
Inflammation of the throat’s mucous membrane can also affect other areas of the respiratory tract’s mucosa and cause additional inflammations, such as:
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Viral infection of the upper respiratory tract (common cold)
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Sinusitis
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Bronchitis
Untreated Sore Throat
An untreated sore throat can also lead to serious complications, such as:
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Glomerulonephritis (a kidney-damaging disease)
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Rheumatic fever (a potentially serious condition that can lead to heart valve disease)
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The potential to spread the infection throughout the body and form “pockets” of pus (abscesses) in the tonsils and soft tissues of the throat area
When to See a Doctor:
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If the temperature rises above 38.5ºC (101.3ºF)
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If shortness of breath occurs
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If swallowing is so painful that drinking water and taking in fluids is difficult
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If the pain is severe and not relieved by painkillers
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If a hoarse voice does not return to normal within a month
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