What causes a sore throat?

Sore throat is a condition characterized by a burning, dull, or painful sensation in the throat, especially when swallowing. Sore throat is not a disease in itself, but rather a common symptom of upper respiratory tract infections, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or other medical conditions.

Some common types of sore throat include:

• Sore throat accompanied by itching.
• Pain in a fixed location in the throat (localized sore throat).
• Pain accompanied by cough, fever, or headache.
• Pain, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, and loss of voice.
• Sore throat with phlegm (mucus).

These types of sore throats are generally not serious and can resolve on their own without medication.

What causes a sore throat?

There are many causes of sore throat and pharyngitis, specifically:

- Due to allergies

Allergies are also one of the causes of sore throat. In many cases, allergies cause sore throats due to contact with allergens such as pollen, dust, mold, or chemicals that cause inflammation of the throat lining, resulting in sore throat and a feeling of swelling in the throat.

- Due to the weather

If the weather remains dry like it is now, it will cause the mucous membranes of the throat to dry out, making them more susceptible to damage and infection, leading to a sore throat.

- Due to exposure to cigarette smoke and chemicals.

Exposure to cigarette smoke and airborne chemicals can irritate the throat lining, leading to inflammation, redness, and pain. Furthermore, these factors can cause recurring or worsening sore throats, coughs, and difficulty breathing. Prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke and chemicals can lead to chronic pharyngitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and even nasopharyngeal cancer.

- Due to a cold or flu

If you have a cold or flu, it can cause a sore throat. When you have a cold or flu, viruses in the upper respiratory tract cause inflammation and swelling in the throat, leading to pain, tonsillitis, cough, fever, and runny nose. Additionally, viruses can spread through nasal mucus and saliva from infected individuals in the air. This is especially true during seasonal changes, when sudden temperature fluctuations and high humidity make the body more susceptible to influenza viruses.

Those most susceptible to sore throats due to colds or the flu include children, the elderly (especially those with underlying health conditions), and people with weakened or compromised immune systems.

When experiencing a sore throat due to a cold or flu, patients should gargle with salt water or an antiseptic solution, and take medication to reduce fever and pain. They should also get plenty of rest and boost their immune system by eating a balanced diet and taking vitamins.

Sore throat is a condition characterized by a burning, dull, or painful sensation in the throat, especially when swallowing.

- Caused by Group A Streptococcus

Group A Streptococcus ( scientifically known as Streptococcus bacteria) is a type of bacteria that causes sore throat symptoms when in direct contact with the nasal and throat mucus of an infected person. In addition, Streptococcus bacteria also cause several skin diseases; it can spread through open wounds, pus, and infected skin ulcers.

Streptococcal sore throat is a common illness, especially in children. Patients often experience a high fever above 40 degrees Celsius, a sore throat when swallowing, swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck, a red rash, and white pus-filled swelling on the oral mucosa. When suffering from streptococcal sore throat, you need to increase throat disinfection with saline solution, nasal and throat nebulization, and see a doctor.

- Due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause a sore throat. This is a condition where stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus (the tube connecting the stomach and mouth). Frequent reflux can cause quite serious symptoms and health problems, including a sore throat. When stomach acid is constantly pushed up into the esophagus, it weakens the lining of the throat, leading to inflammation, swelling, pain, a feeling of fullness in the throat, and a dry cough.

- Due to granular pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis is a condition characterized by prolonged inflammation of the throat, causing the lymphoid tissues in the posterior wall of the throat to become overworked and swollen. These swollen nodules are the size of a pinhead or larger. Chronic pharyngitis is common in children, but adults can also develop it. Chronic pharyngitis can cause difficulty swallowing, sinusitis, coughing, and other complications.

- Due to a tumor in the throat

If you have a tumor in your throat, it will cause pain. Tumors in the throat and surrounding areas, such as the thyroid gland, can cause sore throats and other symptoms related to the throat or digestive tract. The specific symptoms and condition will depend on the type of tumor, its size, location, and the extent to which it affects surrounding muscles, tissues, and systems.

In summary: Sore throat is a common problem. When experiencing the above symptoms, it's important to focus on oral hygiene and rinsing with warm salt water, which will help reduce pain and promote faster recovery. When suffering from a sore throat, patients should prioritize soft, liquid, and easy-to-swallow foods. Soft foods won't irritate the delicate and sensitive throat lining and will allow for easier swallowing without excessive discomfort.

In addition, it is advisable to increase the intake of vitamins and minerals to boost immunity, especially vitamin C found in fruits such as grapefruit and oranges, and vitamin B1… If the condition does not improve or the sore throat lasts for more than 3 days, you should go to a medical facility for examination and specific advice from doctors.

Source: https://giadinh.suckhoedoisong.vn/dau-hong-do-dau-172241009093120913.htm