The causes of sore throat

In addition to often appearing during colds or flu, sore throats also recognize many other causes. Here they are.

It is not a symptom always present in case of flu. When it appears, other causes must also be taken into account.

Sore throat can arise due to a viral infection, usually colds and flu, but it is not uncommon for irritants, such as cigarette smoke, to cause it.

Even when you are forced to speak too much or too loudly it can occur. Finally, there are bacterial infections (usually streptococcal infections) involving the throat and sometimes also the tonsils.

If the cause is a virus

The sore throat of viral origin is, for the most part, due to cold viruses and is therefore accompanied by other typical symptoms of this infection: red or watery eyes, stuffy or runny nose, frequent coughing and sneezing.

It can also be due to the flu, and in that case it will also be accompanied by headache, fever, fatigue and muscle pain.

There is no specific cure for an irritated throat due to a virus, but to speed up healing it is good to get adequate rest, follow a healthy diet and drink plenty.

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs, such as paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen and flurbiprofen, are also useful, able to relieve pain and irritation in the throat.

Specific sprays and tablets for this symptom are also available against sore throats. In case of viral sore throat, antibiotics are not effective and, therefore, should not be used.

If the cause is streptococcus

The symptoms of bacterial infection are usually more severe and may include, along with a strong and sudden throat pain, swelling, redness, loss of appetite, fever, headache.

Streptococcal infection is spread through direct contact with an infected person and/or by sharing personal items with them. Although it is more common in children aged five to thirteen, it can also occur in adulthood.

If not properly treated, streptococcal throat infection can cause serious illnesses, such as rheumatic fever that can harm the valves of the heart.

That is why it is important to have adequate treatment with antibiotics that, in general, resolve the infection in about ten days. It is necessary to continue therapy even if you feel better so as not to risk the infection recurring.

If tonsils are involved

Sometimes a sore throat is caused by tonsillitis, which is an inflammation of the tonsils provoked by viral or bacterial infection.

In this case, in addition to throat irritation, swollen tonsils occur, which may have white plaques. Other symptoms include: bad breath, fever, voice changes due to swelling, enlarged neck lymph glands.

If tonsillitis is bacterial then antibiotics will be prescribed. If the infection is viral, antibiotics will not help: the virus must run its course before the sore throat resolves.

In both types of infection, however, to speed up healing it will help to follow some precautions:

What to do What to avoid
Rest as much as possible Crunchy or spicy foods
Drink a lot
Eat light and soft foods (such as ice cream, semifreddo desserts and soups)
Using a vaporizer to humidify the air

Analgesics such as paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen, flurbiprofen or other NSAIDs can be useful against pain.

If antibiotics don’t cure the bacterial infection, if tonsillitis recurs repeatedly, or if they interfere with sleep and breathing, your doctor may suggest surgical removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy).

Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.

The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.

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