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| Sore throat causes |
The majority of sore throats are caused
by viruses or mechanical causes (such as mouth breathing) and can be
successfully treated at home.
Symptoms of a sore throat include pain,
burning, or scratching sensations in the back of the throat, pain when
swallowing, and neck tenderness.
The following five are some of the most common causes of a sore throat:
1. Viral Infection: Sore throats are most commonly caused by a viral
infection, such as the flu or the common cold. Sore throats are also associated
with Coxsackie virus-caused hand, foot, and mouth disease and mononucleosis
(caused by the Epstein-Barr virus). Symptoms typically resolve on their own
within a week to ten days, depending on the type of virus. Some viruses (for
example, "mono") cause symptoms for several months. Viruses are not
affected by antibiotics.
2. Bacterial infection: Strep throat is an infection caused by the group A Streptococcus
bacterium. Fever and red, swollen tonsils are symptoms of strep throat.
Antibiotics can be prescribed by your doctor to treat strep throat. Chlamydia,
gonorrhoea, and Corynebacterium are lesser common causes of bacterial sore
throat.
3. Allergies: Allergies to pollen, dust mites, pets, or mould can cause a
dry, scratchy throat. Postnasal drip causes a sore throat caused by allergies
(when mucus from your nose drips down the back of your throat). The mucus
irritates and hurts your throat.
4. Tonsillitis is caused by the two small lumps of soft tissue located at
the back of your throat. They capture the germs that cause illness. Tonsillitis
is caused by infected and inflamed tonsils. Tonsillitis can be caused by
bacteria or viruses.
5. Overuse of irritants: Yelling, screaming, singing without proper form, or talking for an extended period of time without rest can cause a sore throat. Hot liquids, spicy foods, and smoking can all burn or irritate your throat.
The following are more specific sore
throat treatments based on the cause:
1. Bacterial infection: If a throat swab revealed that you have strep
throat, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic to treat the infection.
Penicillin and clindamycin are two common antibiotics used to treat strep
throat. It is critical to finish the entire course of antibiotics (even if you
feel better after a few doses) to prevent the infection from returning.
2. Viral Infection: Most sore throats are caused by viruses. Your doctor
may advise you to drink plenty of fluids, take over-the-counter pain relievers
(such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen), and rest. Throat lozenges are another
option.
3. Allergies: Antihistamines, which are available over-the-counter, can
relieve nasal congestion, which causes postnasal drip.
4. Lifestyle changes, in addition to over-the-counter antacids, may help
relieve heartburn and sore throat. Sleep on your left side with your head
elevated slightly. Don't overeat, and avoid eating right before bed. Consult
your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.
5. Overuse of the voice: Resting your voice will allow your throat to heal.
For a few days, try not to talk or sing as much. Tea and other warm liquids are
also acceptable. Irritants such as smoke/second-hand smoke and spicy foods can
aggravate your sore throat
