There are many reasons that can cause a sore throat, leading to significant discomfort. Below is information regarding the causes of your sore throat and effective ways to cope with it.
Sore Throat: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
1. What causes a sore throat?
A sore throat is described as a painful or scratchy sensation in the back of the throat, especially when swallowing.
Common Cold
The common cold is a mild upper respiratory tract infection caused by viruses. Nearly 200 different viruses can cause a cold, but Rhinoviruses are the most common. These infections target your nose and throat, causing inflammation in the back of the throat and leading to a burning sensation.
In addition to a sore throat, other symptoms of the common cold may include: nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and headaches. Cold viruses spread from person to person or from contaminated surfaces. If you catch a cold, you will notice symptoms developing gradually a few days after exposure. Colds typically resolve within about 10 days.
The common cold is an upper respiratory infection caused by a virus. (Image: Internet).
Flu
The flu is a respiratory illness that can range from mild to severe, caused by influenza viruses. The flu virus invades the nose, throat, and sometimes the lower respiratory tract, including the lungs and bronchi, leading to a sore throat.
Other symptoms of the flu may include: fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea (more common in children). Children and seniors over 65 are at higher risk for flu and tend to experience more severe symptoms.
Post-Nasal Drip
Post-nasal drip occurs when excess mucus from the nose drains down the throat. This irritates the throat, leading to coughing, soreness, and a burning sensation.
Other symptoms of post-nasal drip may include: a sensation of a lump in the throat, increased swallowing, hoarseness, and frequent throat clearing. Post-nasal drip can be a symptom of infections such as the cold, flu, or allergies, or due to cold temperatures. Avoiding allergens and treating infections can help alleviate and eliminate post-nasal drip.
Streptococcal Pharyngitis
Streptococcal pharyngitis is a bacterial infection affecting the throat and tonsils. The culprit is a bacteria called Group A Streptococcus (strep A). Streptococcal pharyngitis is one of the most common causes of a burning throat, as the bacteria cause inflammation of the throat and tonsils.
Streptococcal pharyngitis can cause a burning sensation in the throat. (Image: Internet).
Other symptoms of streptococcal pharyngitis may include: fever, swollen and red throat, swollen tonsils, white patches or streaks on the tonsils, red spots (petechiae) in the mouth, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
Mononucleosis
This illness is typically caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. It leads to a burning sensation in the throat along with other symptoms such as: fatigue, fever, headaches, body aches, swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits, and rashes.
Symptoms usually last from 2 to 4 weeks. Treatment includes managing symptoms, such as using over-the-counter medications to reduce fever or pain.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD occurs when stomach acid moves into the esophagus and up to the throat, irritating the tissues there and causing a burning sensation in the throat. This condition often occurs after eating or at night; its frequency can be daily or several times a week. If GERD occurs frequently and becomes chronic, it can cause damage to the esophagus.
Other symptoms of GERD may include: heartburn, indigestion, etc.
Esophagitis
Esophagitis is inflammation or damage to the esophagus, often caused by GERD. However, infections, food allergies, and overuse of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Advil (ibuprofen) can also lead to esophagitis.
Symptoms of esophagitis also include a burning throat, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing.
Esophagitis is an infection or damage to the esophagus. (Image: Internet).
Laryngitis
Upper respiratory tract infections caused by viruses often lead to laryngitis. Smoking, allergies, and vocal strain can also cause laryngitis. Individuals with laryngitis commonly experience pain or a burning sensation in the throat when speaking or swallowing.
Laryngitis may also cause other symptoms such as: fever, hoarseness, frequent throat clearing, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
Burning Mouth Syndrome
Experiencing a burning sensation in the mouth is not uncommon and may be associated with several disorders when combined with other symptoms. However, up to 15% of older patients may experience a burning sensation in the mouth even without other clear symptoms. This burning sensation can persist in the tongue, lips, gums, palate, and throat.
Those with burning mouth syndrome may also experience dry mouth, with or without a metallic or salty taste.
2. Coping with and alleviating sore throat symptoms
There are several ways to remedy a sore throat at home. However, depending on the cause of the sore throat, you might need medical facilities for more specialized care.
Different treatment options depend on the cause of the sore throat. (Image: Internet).
Some Home Remedies for Sore Throat
If the illness is caused by a virus, patients need time and adequate rest for the body to recover. The following remedies can help soothe the burning sensation in the throat at home:
- Drink warm liquids such as tea or soup to relieve throat pain
- Drink cold water or eat crushed ice to soothe the burning sensation in the throat
- Gargle with salt water to reduce pain and throat inflammation. You can gargle with salt water multiple times a day
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in the room to alleviate throat pain and other cold or flu symptoms
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen can help relieve moderate throat pain.
Antibiotics or Antiviral Medications
Since most cases of sore throat are caused by viruses, antibiotics are not typically needed. However, if the infection causing the burning sensation in the throat is bacterial, such as with streptococcal pharyngitis, antibiotics may be necessary.
If the sore throat is due to the flu, antiviral medications may help alleviate throat pain, but they should be used early, right when flu symptoms first appear, and only under a doctor’s guidance.
Only use antibiotics when the infection is bacterial. (Image: Internet)
When to See a Doctor?
If you experience a burning throat along with symptoms resembling a bacterial infection, see a doctor as soon as possible to obtain appropriate antibiotics. You should also consult a doctor if the burning sensation in your throat does not improve after 10 days or if symptoms worsen.
Accompanying symptoms of a burning throat to note include:
- High fever lasting over 3 days without relief
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Rash
- Dehydration
- Difficulty breathing
While viral throat infections often improve with rest at home, a cold can lead to other illnesses such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Complications of the flu can also result in bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, and sinus infections. If you experience any concerning symptoms, please visit specialized medical facilities for an early diagnosis.
