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Sore Throat: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Published: 2009-07-19 - Updated: 2021-06-12
Author: Disabled World - Contact Details
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Synopsis: A sore throat is a disease primarily located in the area around the tonsils it is also known as pharyngitis or tonsillitis. The majority of sore throats are due to an infection with a virus; there is a large variety of viruses which cause the common types of sore throats. Glandular fever may cause sore throat problem. The tonsils and the glands in the neck are often very large and may cause severe breathing difficulties.

Main Digest

A sore throat is also known as pharyngitis or tonsillitis. The pharynx is the part of the throat that lies between the mouth and the larynx or voice box. It is associated most commonly with the common cold or influenza. While most sore throats heal without complications, in some cases, they develop into a serious illness.

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Pharyngitis is a painful inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the pharynx, and is referred to as a sore throat. Infection of the tonsils, tonsillitis may occur simultaneously.

A "sore" throat is commonly characterized by discomfort, pain, or scratchiness in the throat. A sore throat often makes it painful to swallow. Sore throats are common, especially in children. Most of the time the soreness is worse in the morning and improves as the day progresses. Uncomplicated sore throats usually last up to 3 days and a severe sore throat, that lasts over 3 days could be a symptom of a more serious condition like tonsillitis or laryngitis.

Causes for Sore Throat

Sore throats are normally caused by either a viral or bacterial infection. The most important difference between a virus and bacteria is that bacteria respond well to antibiotic treatment and viruses do not.

A sore throat is commonly spread by: sharing drinks, kissing, coughing, nose blowing, and sneezing.

Bacterial infection:

Strep throat is the most common bacterial infection. It is mainly caused by streptococcal bacteria. Strep throat can lead to rheumatic fever which can trigger heart valve problems or inflammation of the kidney.

Other bacteria can cause sore throats - e.g. gonorrhea is an example of a sexually transmitted infection.

Viruses:

The majority of sore throats are due to an infection with a virus; there is a large variety of viruses which cause the common types of sore throats. A well-known virus is the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes glandular fever and glandular fever tonsillitis.

Tonsillitis:

It is an inflammation of the tonsils. Chronic tonsillitis occurs when there is so much damage to the tonsils. In this condition, the throat is sore most of the time, often accompanied by bad breath.

Glandular Fever and Tonsillitis:

Glandular fever may cause sore throat problem. The tonsils and the glands in the neck are often very large and may cause severe breathing difficulties.

Other Possible Causes:

Symptoms for Sore Throat Can Include:

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Cite This Page (APA): Disabled World. (2009, July 19). Sore Throat: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment. Disabled World. Retrieved September 23, 2023 from www.disabled-world.com/health/oral/sore-throat.php

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