Sore throats are common infections for adults and children alike. A sore throat can imply soreness from infection, pain from irritation, itchiness from allergies, or a combination of all the above. Often, swallowing food or liquids makes the soreness more pronounced and may be difficult, especially for a young child. Associated symptoms depend on what is causing the sore throat but can include fever, chills, dryness, swollen glands, hoarseness, and occasionally white patches on the tonsils or back of the throat. Children, smokers, allergy sufferers, and those with a weakened immune system are more susceptible to sore throats of all kinds.
Common causes of sore throats include viruses and bacteria. Some recognizable viruses and viral illnesses that commonly cause sore throats include mononucleosis, measles, the chickenpox virus, the virus that causes croup, and laryngitis. The notorious strep throat is caused by a bacteria called Streptococcus pyogenes.
Other noninfectious causes of sore throats are common as well. Allergies to mold, pet dander, pollen, or other irritants can trigger and cause itchiness, swelling, and postnasal drip that can translate into a sore throat. Postnasal drip is when excess mucus drains from your sinuses and accumulates in the back of your throat. This accumulation then irritates your throat and causes inflammation and soreness. Dry air and exposure to tobacco smoke can make the throat feel scratchy and raw. Screaming or talking loudly too much or for too long can cause throat strain and a sore throat. A digestive condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus which may cause a sore throat and sometimes a dry, hacky cough. More rarely, sore throats can be caused by abnormal growths of cells or tumors. Sore throats that last more than a few weeks in an adult need to be evaluated to exclude these causes. More worrisome signs of a sore throat include pain on just one side, pain radiating up to the ear, or a history of tobacco use.