THROAT PAIN
A sore throat is pain, scratchiness or irritation of the throat that often worsens when a person swallows. The most common cause of a sore throat is a viral infection called pharyngitis, (e.g. a cold or the flu). Sore throats caused by viruses usually resolves on their own.
Streptococcal infection (Strep throat), a less common type of sore throat. This is caused by bacteria and requires treatment with antibiotics to prevent complications. Other less common causes of sore throat might require more complex treatment.
The most common symptom is pain in the throat. Most sore throats are caused by infections, or by environmental factors like dry air. Although a sore throat can be uncomfortable, it usually goes away on its own.
TYPES OF THROAT PAIN
Based on the part of the throat they affect, sore throats are divided into types:
- Pharyngitis - This affects the area right behind the mouth. Pharyngitis is inflammation of the pharynx, which is in the back of the throat. It is most often referred to simply as 'sore throat'. Pharyngitis can also cause scratchiness in the throat and difficulty swallowing.
- Tonsillitis - The swelling and redness of the tonsils. Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, two oval-shaped pads of tissue at the back of the throat. Signs and symptoms of tonsillitis include swollen tonsils, sore throat, difficulty swallowing and tender lymph nodes on the sides of the neck
- Laryngitis - Swelling and redness of the voice box, or larynx, usually from overuse, irritation or infection. Inside the larynx are the vocal cords - two folds of mucous membrane covering muscle and cartilage.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SORE THROAT VS STREP THROAT
Sore throat is a generic term used to describe the symptom of pain or discomfort in the throat. Usually, bacteria, viruses, trauma, and environmental toxins cause throat pain and its associated symptoms and signs.
Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils (tonsillitis). Strep throat is specifically caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. The characteristic signs and symptoms, and laboratory tests help diagnose the cause of strep throat. Two common tests are used to diagnose the cause of strep throat, the rapid strep test (RADT) and traditional throat culture.
CAUSES OF SORE THROATS
Causes of sore throats range from infections to injuries. Here are some of the most common sore throat causes.
- Colds, the flu, and other viral infections
Among the common sources that cause sore throats are:
- Chickenpox, an infection that causes a fever and an itchy, bumpy rash
- Measles, an illness that causes a rash and fever
- The common cold
- Influenza - the flu
- Mononucleosis, an infectious disease that’s transmitted through saliva
- Mumps, an infection that causes swelling of the salivary glands in the neck
- Strep throat and other bacterial infections
Bacterial infections can also cause sore throats. The most common of them is strep throat, an infection of the throat and tonsils that is caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria.
Strep throat causes nearly 40 percent of sore throat cases in children. Some sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea and chlamydia can also cause sore throat.
- Smoke, chemicals, and other irritants
Many different chemicals and other substances in the environment irritate the throat, including:
- Cleaning products and other chemicals
- Smoke from cigarette and other tobacco products
- Air pollution
- Allergies
When the immune system reacts to allergy triggers like pollen, grass, and pet dander, it releases chemicals that cause symptoms like nasal congestion, watery eyes, sneezing, a Lifestyle and home remedies.
- Dry air
Dry air sucks moisture from the mouth and throat, and leave them feeling dry and scratchy.
- Injury
Any injury, such as a hit or cut to the neck, can cause pain in the throat. Getting a piece of food stuck in the throat can also irritate the throat.
- Repeated use strains the vocal cords and muscles in the throat
One can get a sore throat after talking loudly, yelling, or singing for a long period. Sore throats is a common complaint among fitness instructors and teachers, obviously because they yell.
- Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which acid from the stomach backs up into the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach (the esophagus). The acid burns the esophagus and throat, causing symptoms like heartburn and acid reflux.
- Tumor
A tumor of the throat, voice box, or tongue is a less common cause of a sore throat. When a sore throat is a sign of cancer, it does not go away after a few days.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF A SORE THROAT
The signs and symptoms of a sore throat vary, and will depend on the underlying cause. However, the common symptom of a sore throat is throat pain and discomfort, which often is worsened by swallowing or talking.
Most sore throats are caused by viral infections. In addition to throat pain, common signs and symptoms of a sore throat include:
- Cough
- Runny nose or nasal congestion
- Muffled or hoarse voice
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Body ache
- Headache
- Earache
- Sneezing
- Weakness
- Lack of appetite
- Redness and/or swelling of the tonsils and back of the throat
- White patchy areas on the tonsils (exudate)
- Swollen and/or tender lymph nodes in the neck
Distinguishing between a sore throat caused by a virus and strep throat can be challenging; however, certain signs and symptoms often can help differentiate between the two. People with strep throat usually have signs and symptoms that include red swollen tonsils with white patches.
Sore throats cause fever and swollen tender lymph nodes in the neck, but without the symptoms that usually accompany a cold caused by a virus.
An evaluation with a doctor may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis of a sore throat while a throat culture (swab taken from the back of the throat) can definitively diagnose the cause of strep throat
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
If a child's sore throat doesn't go away with the first drink in the morning take him/her to a doctor. People should get immediate care if their child has signs and symptoms such as:
- Difficult breathing
- Difficult swallowing
- Drooling (which might indicate an inability to swallow)
Adults should see their doctor if they have sore throat and any of the following associated problems:
- Frequently recurring sore throats
- Blood in saliva or phlegm
- Fever (with body temperature higher than 38.3 C)
- Difficult swallowing
- Difficult breathing
- Difficult opening their mouth
- Joint pain
- Earache
- Rash
- A lump in the neck
- Hoarseness lasting more than two weeks
- Swelling in the neck or face
RISK FACTORS
Although anyone can suffer a sore throat, some factors make one more susceptible, these will include:
Allergies - Seasonal allergies or ongoing allergic reactions to pet dander, dust, or molds make developing a sore throat more likely.
Weakened immunity - One is more susceptible to infections in general if resistance to infection is low. Common causes of lowered immunity include HIV, diabetes, treatment with steroids or chemotherapy drugs, stress, fatigue, and poor diet.
Exposure to tobacco smoke. Smoking and secondhand smoke can irritate the throat. The use of tobacco products also increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, throat and voice box.
Age - Children and teens are most likely to develop sore throats. Children ages 3 to 15 are also more likely to have strep throat.
Close quarters - Viral and bacterial infections spread easily anywhere people gather, this could be in offices, child care centers, classrooms or in airplanes.
Exposure to chemical irritants - throat irritation can also be caused by particles in the air from burning fossil fuels and common household chemicals.
Chronic or frequent sinus infections - Drainage from the nose down the throat can irritate the throat or spread infection.
DIAGNOSIS
Doctors diagnose strep throat based on symptoms presented, an examination of the throat, and a strep test. For a sore throat, if the diagnosis is not obvious, a specialist who treats conditions of the ears, nose, and throat might be needed.
To diagnose the cause of a sore throat, the doctor will ask for a detailed history of the illness and perform a physical examination. To differentiate between a bacterial or viral infection, the doctor may order tests. If the doctor suspects strep throat, he or she will take a rapid strep test by swabbing the throat. It takes only minutes for the results. A throat culture may be sent to the lab for definitive evaluation of strep throat if the initial rapid strep test is negative. The results of a culture is available within 24 to 48 hours.
Blood tests
Radiologic imaging (CT scan or x-ray) of the throat and neck area to evaluate for other various causes of a sore throat which could possibly be abscesses, trauma/injury, tumor, etc.).
IS SORE THROAT CONTAGIOUS?
Depending on the underlying cause, a sore throat may be contagious. Most sore throats are caused by infections, and under these circumstances a sore throat can be contagious, whether it is caused by a viral infection (the most common cause) or strep throat. To prevent spreading contagious infections that cause sore throats, preventive measures must be taken to prevent the transmission of the infection.
Most types of these infections are transmitted person-to-person through saliva or nasal secretions spread in airborne respiratory droplets, or through direct contact with infected objects (e.g. cups or utensils) and infected surfaces.
To stop the spread of infections to others:
Wash hands frequently
Cover the mouth when coughing or sneezing
Do not share utensils and cups
TREATMENT
Home remedies
Various home remedies can help soothe throat pain and other symptoms of sore throat.
- Drink warm liquids
- Gargle with warm saltwater and then spit it out.
- Consume cold foods
- Use a humidifier to moisten dry air.
It will be important to drink plenty of fluids and rest in order to prevent dehydration and to allow the body to properly recover especially if a sore throat is caused by infection.
Over the counter remedies
Soothing a sore throat can be done with various over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen are analgesics that can provide pain relief. These medications also can reduce fever if the sore throat is caused by infection. Throat lozenges and analgesic throat sprays can help relieve throat pain for some people.
OTC medications that can help relieve throat pain caused by gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) include:
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
- Antacids
- H2 blockers
Antihistamines and decongestants bought over the counter may provide symptom relief if allergies or postnasal drip is causing a sore throat. If a cough is causing a sore throat, a cough syrup from over the counter may help diminish the cough.
PREVENTION
Often times, some causes of sore throats can be prevented since the most common cause are infections. Whether a sore throat is caused by a viral infection or strep throat, steps can be taken to prevent getting or transmitting the infection to others.
Ways to prevent sore throat
- Avoid close contact with people who are already ill with a viral upper respiratory tract infection or with strep throat
- Practice good personal hygiene habits, (e.g. frequent and thorough hand washing).
- Avoid sharing objects such as dishes, cups or utensils.
- Cover the mouth when coughing or sneezing.
- Avoiding touching potentially infected items and or surfaces (e.g. computers, doorknobs, or phones) and direct contact with handkerchiefs, napkins, tissues, or towels used by the person with the infection.
- Take antibiotics and finish the full course to treat and decrease transmission of the bacteria causing the infection.
Certain measures to help prevent less common causes of sore throats include:
- Taking medications to help prevent sore throats if the cause is GERD, allergies, postnasal drip, or cough.
- Avoiding cigarette smoke, pollutants and noxious airborne chemicals.
- Taking safety measures and using protective sports equipment to help avoid traumatic injury to the neck and throat.
- Chewing food carefully in order to prevent injury to the throat from a foreign body (e.g. from a fish bone)
- Avoiding excessive or prolonged yelling.
Lifestyle and home remedies
Regardless of the cause of the sore throat, these are strategies that can help ease symptoms in even children:
- Avoid irritants - Keep the home free from irritants like cigarette smoke and cleaning products.
- Gargle with saltwater - A saltwater gargle of 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of warm water can help soothe a sore throat. Children older than 6 and adults can gargle the solution and then spit it out.
- Rest - Get plenty of sleep. Rest the voice too.
- Drink fluids - Fluids keep the throat moist and prevent dehydration. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate the body.
- Try comforting foods and beverage - Warm broth, caffeine-free tea or warm water with honey, as well as cold treats such as ice pops can soothe a sore throat.
- Humidify the air - Use a cool-air humidifier to eliminate dry air that may further irritate a sore throat, or sit for several minutes in a steamy bathroom.
- Eat lozenges or hard candy - Either can soothe a sore throat for adults, this might however not be ideal for children age 4 and younger because they might choke.
Alternative medicine
Although a number of alternative treatments are commonly used to soothe sore throat, evidence is limited about what really works. If antibiotics are needed for a bacterial infection, people should not rely on alternative treatments alone.
Check with doctors before using any herbal remedies, sometimes they interact with prescription medications and may not be safe for children, pregnant and breast-feeding women, and people with certain health conditions.
Herbal or alternative products for a sore throat are often packaged as teas, sprays or lozenges.
