Soreness
in the throat is a symptom of other
disorders such as the common cold,
flu, measles, chicken pox, cough,
and other such disorders of the
upper respiratory tract. Sore throat
is a common reason for visiting
the doctor’s clinic, but the
visit is often unnecessary because
most sore throats heal within a
few days.
Causes and Risk Factors
Sore
throat is usually the result of
a viral infection that is mainly
caused by the same germs that cause
the common cold and flu. Sometimes
the bacteria that cause strep throat
may be responsible. A sore throat
that is caused by bacteria is more
painful and persistent than a sore
throat that is caused by a virus.
Sore
throat is contagious and the infection
that causes sore throat can spread
among individuals through coughing
and sneezing. Sharing utensils,
food, drinks, and other objects
that have been used by the patient
may also infect the healthy person.
Public places such as schools,
day care facilities, offices,
public parks, and crowded areas
are likely to contain parasites
that may transmit the infection.
Certain
conditions that can irritate your
throat and result in soreness
are pollution and allergy to toxic
chemicals such as tobacco smoke,
industrial fumes, dust, and pet
dander. Throat muscles that are
strained by singing loudly, yelling,
or shouting can also cause sore
throat. Dry, overheated room atmosphere,
particularly in winter, raise
the chances of developing sore
throat, especially when you move
out to the chilly climate outside.
Nasal congestion that inhibits
breathing through the nose and
forces you to breathe through
the mouth can also cause a dry
and scratchy throat. Medical therapies
such as chemotherapy and radiation
therapy, and surgeries such as
tonsillectomy can also cause sore
throat. Chronic sore throat can
also be caused by alcohol abuse.
|
