A sore throat is one of the more common reasons people head to their doctor’s office. Data indicates that about 10% of people present to primary healthcare services with sore throat each year.
Many different conditions can cause your throat to hurt. Let’s look at a few of the more common causes as well as potential treatment options.
Sore Throat Causes
While not an exhaustive list, some of the more common sore throat causes include:
- Upper respiratory viruses like the common cold, flu or COVID-19
- Mononucleosis
- Tonsillitis
- Bronchitis
- Sinus infection
- Allergies
- Smoking or exposure to cigarette smoke
- Acid reflux
- Irritation caused by pollution or exposure to chemicals
Is It Strep Throat?
Strep throat is a common bacterial infection and a leading cause of sore throats. In addition to throat pain, other symptoms include:
- Fever
- Pain when swallowing
- White patches on the throat
- Red and/or swollen tonsils
- Red spots on the roof of your mouth
- Swollen lymph nodes
Call and make an appointment with a medical provider if you have symptoms of strep throat. Since the infection is caused by bacteria, it requires antibiotics to treat. Your symptoms should start to improve 1-3 days after you start your medication.
Treating Your Sore Throat at Home
If the cause of your sore throat doesn’t require medication to treat, there are plenty of ways to help relieve your symptoms and feel better at home. These include:
- Getting a lot of rest
- Using a humidifier or vaporizer
- Drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and moisten the throat
- Using lozenges or throat sprays
- Drinking warm tea with honey
- Gargling with warm salt water
- Picking up some cold treats, like popsicles at Macey’s
- Using over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed
Is a Sore Throat Ever a Sign of Something More Serious?
On rare occasions, a persistent sore throat coupled with other symptoms may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a tumor or epiglottitis, a rare infection that can cause your airways to close, making it difficult to breathe. Epiglottitis requires immediate medical attention.
Also, be sure to make an appointment as soon as possible if, in addition to a persistent sore throat, you notice a lump or swelling in your neck, have blood in your saliva or mucus or have a high fever that won’t break.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact South Valley Ear Nose & Throat – West Jordan today.