{"id":955,"date":"2021-08-31T16:26:23","date_gmt":"2021-08-31T10:56:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.yashodahealthcare.com\/blogs\/?p=955"},"modified":"2023-11-24T15:24:39","modified_gmt":"2023-11-24T09:54:39","slug":"causes-of-sore-throat-and-medicines-to-cure-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yashodahealthcare.com\/blogs\/causes-of-sore-throat-and-medicines-to-cure-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Causes of Sore Throat & Medicines to Cure It"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading Time: <\/span> 4<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>

What is a sore throat?<\/h2>\n

Sore throat is a medical condition marked by pain, dryness or scratchy\u00a0 feeling in the throat that is typically caused by an inflammation due to cold\u00a0 or any other viral infection.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Viruses are responsible for 85%-95% of the throat infections in both\u00a0 adults and young children. There may be other causes for this condition\u00a0 as well such as allergies, smoking, strep throat and mononucleosis. It may also be caused by a bacterial infection called GABHS (Group-A\u00a0 beta-hemolytic streptococcus). Moreover, certain environmental factors\u00a0 such as dry air may also result in a sore throat.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Usually, this condition gets healed on its own; however, it may be pretty\u00a0 uncomfortable at times, requiring medical consultation consequently.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sore Throat Types<\/h2>\n

Sore throats may affect different parts of the throat as per their cause. Based on this, the condition may be categorized into the following:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pharyngitis<\/b>: It is an inflammation of the pharynx (situated at the back of\u00a0 the throat) and can cause scratchiness in the throat, making it difficult for\u00a0 the person to swallow water or food.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tonsillitis: <\/b>Tonsils are the two oval-shaped pads of tissue at the back\u00a0 of the throat on each side. Inflammation of these tonsils is called\u00a0 tonsillitis<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Laryngitis: <\/b>It is the inflammation of the larynx or voice box, caused by its\u00a0 overuse, infection or irritation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Risk Factors\/Causes Sore Throat<\/h2>\n

There exist various risk factors that one may be exposed to. While some\u00a0 are beyond our control, others can be avoided with certain precautions such as:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Allergens: <\/b>Your body\u2019s reaction to allergens may cause a sore throat.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hygiene: <\/b>Touching different surfaces over the course of the day results\u00a0 in you picking up germs and if you don\u2019t wash your hands properly\u00a0 before meals or touching your face, it may increase the risk of viral or\u00a0 bacterial infections leading to a sore throat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Overuse of voice: <\/b>If you keep yelling, talking loudly or singing for hours,\u00a0 it may make you prone to a sore throat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Irritants and toxins: <\/b>Inhaling irritants like air pollutants, dry air, fumes,\u00a0 cigarette smoke and certain spicy foods as well as tobacco may also\u00a0 cause sore throat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): <\/b>It is a medical condition in which acid from the stomach is stored in the tube that carries food\u00a0 from your mouth to your stomach; this acid then causes inflammation in\u00a0 the throat and esophagus.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Bacteria: <\/b>There is a high risk of getting a sore throat from bacterial\u00a0 infections. The most common infection is caused by GABHS (Group A Beta\u00a0 Hemolytic Streptococcus) bacteria. This infection is called strep throat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sore Throat Signs & Symptoms<\/h2>\n

There are different types of sore throats caused by various viral, bacterial or\u00a0 allergic agents. Based on the cause of the sore throat, you may have\u00a0 symptoms like:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n