Sore Throat: Learn About Causes and Remedies

What is a Sore Throat?

A sore throat refers to pain, itchiness, or irritation of the throat. It may cause difficulty swallowing food and liquids, and the pain may get worse when you try to swallow. Throat pain is the primary symptom of a sore throat. However, other symptoms may include:

• a dry throat
• swollen glands in the neck
• white patches on the tonsils
• hoarseness

A sore throat can affect people of all ages, but the risk of a sore throat is higher in some people. This includes:

• children
• people who smoke
• people with allergies
• people with a compromised immune system

Causes of a sore throat

Several things can cause a sore throat.

Viral infection

Most sore throats are triggered by a viral infection. These are infections caused by a virus, such as the common cold or the flu.

Other types of viral infections include:

• mononucleosis, which is an infectious disease typically transmitted through saliva
• measles, which is a contagious illness characterized by a distinct rash and fever
• chickenpox, which is an infection that causes skin sores
• croup, which is an infection of the larynx

Bacterial infection

A bacterial infection can also cause a sore throat. These types of infections include:

• strep throat, which is an inflammation of the throat caused by the Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria
• diphtheria, which causes throat inflammation
• whooping cough, which affects the respiratory mucous membrane

Environmental factors

Not all sore throats are viral or bacterial. Several other things can cause throat pain.

• If you’re allergic to mold, pet dander, pollen, or other irritants, exposure to these allergens can trigger postnasal drip. Postnasal drip occurs when excess mucus accumulates in the back of your throat. This accumulation can irritate your throat and cause pain or inflammation.
• Dry air can make your throat feel raw and scratchy.
• Smoking cigarettes or breathing in cigarette smoke can trigger persistent sore throats.
• Yelling or too much talking can trigger throat strain.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may also cause a sore throat. This is a digestive condition that occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. This condition causes an array of symptoms outside of a sore throat, such as:

• hoarseness
• heartburn
• nausea

Other causes

In very rare cases, a sore throat may be a sign of HIV or throat cancer.