An aching, dry, and itchy sensation in the throat is a sore throat. It is a typical problem that happens to every individual. It can be caused by bad dry air, an infected person, or infections caused by bacteria and viruses. Pharyngitis (caused due to a virus) is the most general sore throat category.  It’s a viral infection, is easily curable, and goes away independently.

A sore throat can be a typical infection or might be a sign of a critical health condition.

Symptoms of Sore Throat 

Some signs that indicate a sore throat are as follows:

• Pain, scratchiness, and irritation in the throat, which becomes worse while swallowing
• Redness in the tonsils area
• Burning sensation in the throat
• Swollen mouth area (tonsils, throat)
• Hoarse voice and pain while talking
• Pus in tonsils (in some cases)

Also, depending on the infecting medium sore throat can show other symptoms too:

• Fever
• Nausea
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Appetite loss
• Cold and cough

Different Types of Sore Throats

The condition of sore throat is categorized into three types: 

1. Pharyngitis:  

It is a simple sore throat caused due to pharynx (an organ behind the mouth & nasal cavity) inflammation. It leads to scratchiness, discomfort, throat pain, and inconvenience while swallowing.

2. Tonsillitis:

It is a sore throat type caused due to tenderness of the tonsils. It leads to swelling in the tonsils, trouble swallowing, and painful lymph bulges on the neck.

3. Laryngitis:

It is a sore throat caused due to inflammation of the larynx (also called voice box). It leads to difficulty speaking, dry cough, throat irritation, etc.

Causes of Sore Throat

A sore throat can be caused by many infections, many of which are listed below:

1. Viral Infections

These infections are the most usual causes of a sore throat. Various kinds of viral infections are:

• Viral flu
• Measles
• Chickenpox
• Covid 19

2. Bacterial Infections

Strep throat caused by streptococcus (a type of bacteria) is the most widespread bacterial infection that causes a sore throat. Other bacterial infections are: 

• Strep throat 
• Gonorrhea

3. Ulcerative Colitis

It is an inflammatory disease of the digestive tract. It can produce sores between the mouth and the anus (digestive tract). Therefore, a sore throat may be an indication of ulcerative colitis.

4. Allergies

Many people have specific allergies that their immune system can tolerate, and in exchange for these, they produce some reactions, which can come as a sore throat accompanied by sneezing, cough, and nasal release.

5. Bad environment

If the surroundings are not good and have bad reactants in the air, there are chances of infections and sore throat.

A bad environment can be:

• Bad air/air pollution
• Smoking gases, like tobacco, in the surroundings
• Harmful chemicals lying in the air

6. Tumor

Lastly, a sore throat can signify a tumor if it doesn’t heal after some time. Mouth cancers are becoming more common, and sore throat should be taken as a symptom.

How to Prevent a Sore Throat?

Sore throat is majorly an infection that can be avoided easily if certain precautions are taken care of :

• First, don't touch public places.
• Wash your hands regularly.
• Keep your personal belongings clean.
• Fourth, don't keep close contact with the infected person.
• Do not touch your filthy hands to face & eyes. 

Natural Remedies Cure Sore Throat

Aside from clinical medications, a sore throat can be treated with natural therapies. For example, one can try the following natural remedies to eliminate a sore throat.

• Steaming
• Gargling with saltwater
• Honey
• Drink hot stuff
• Avoid talking a lot
• Warm soups or liquids

Food to avoid during sore throat:

Spicy food is the worst food you can take for your sore throat. It will worsen the situation and make your sore throat more painful.

When does a sore throat become dangerous?

It would be best to see a doctor when the pain worsens, doesn't go away, and shows other symptoms such as fever.

The following can be the symptoms which are directing you to see a doctor:

• The sore throat is not going away even after one week
• Sore joints
• In children, if your baby is having problems breathing and swallowing.
• High fever
• Vomiting
• Lumps in the throat or the neck or tonsils
• Swollen mouth area
• The problem with talking lasts more than a week

Key Takeaway

While sore throat can be a usual thing to happen to people, it is not the majority of cases. A sore throat, as discussed above, may be an indication of a critical ailment. So, in case of any problem or if your sore throat lasts longer, you better go to a doctor for further details as a doctor can guide you best and improve your situation.

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