One of the most common reasons people go to an Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor is a sore throat. A sore throat is not an unusual condition; causes can range from a cold, or allergies, to dry air, smoking, or overuse. But, an ongoing sore throat that does not get better is cause for concern. This condition may lead to difficulty swallowing, continued hoarseness, or loss of voice.
An Otolaryngologist will be able to determine the cause of a chronic sore throat and even if it is related to a condition in another part of the body, such as the sinuses or upper digestive track. A visit to an ENT will help pinpoint the source of the problem and inform the treatment.
Throat problems like Pharyngitis, flu, streptococcal sore throat
An irritation or scratchy feeling in the throat is what is referred to a sore throat. The usual cause is a viral infection (cold/flu) called Pharyngitis, which usually resolves by itself. However, the less common variety, Strep throat (streptococcal infection), is a bacterial infection that requires treatment.
Symptoms of Sore Throat:
Pain or scratchy feeling in the throat
More painful while talking or swallowing
Soreness & swelling of glands in neck or jaw
Tonsils have white patches or pus
Hoarse voice
Sore Throat Infections cause:
Fever/Cough
Runny nose/Sneezing
Body aches/Headache
Nausea/Vomiting
Viral Throat infections
Causes of Viral infection:
Common cold
Flu (influenza)
Measles
Chickenpox
COVID-19
Croup — a common childhood illness producing a harsh, barking cough
Causes of Bacterial infection:
Streptococcus pyogenes is the most common one causing strep throat.
Allergies (pet dander, molds, dust, pollen). A postnasal drip can further irritate and inflame the throat.
Dry indoor air can make the throat feel scratchy.
Irritants such as air pollution can cause a chronic sore throat as can use of tobacco, alcohol and spicy foods.
Yelling or talking loudly for long periods also cause muscle strain.
A digestive system disorder, GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) causes stomach acids to back up in the food pipe, causing soreness of throat.
Some other symptoms include heartburn, hoarseness, regurgitation of stomach contents, feeling a lump in the throat, HIV infection, Cancerous tumours, etc.
Prevention
The best way to prevent sore throats is to avoid the germs that cause them and practice good hygiene.
Treatment
A sore throat caused by a viral infection usually lasts five to seven days and doesn’t require medical treatment, except for mild pain relievers. Bacterial infections need to be treated with antibiotics. If a sore throat is caused by some other reason, treatment will depend on diagnosis.