Sore Throat: 8 Possible Causes and How to Relieve It
Esophageal inflammation may be caused by reflux, certain medications, infections, or eosinophilic esophagitis. The latter is associated with an inflammatory reaction involving eosinophils in the esophagus.
Safir Arjan- Sore throat is not always a sign of a cold. Viral infections, acid reflux, allergies, dry air and inflammation of the esophagus can also cause this feeling. Knowing the accompanying symptoms helps to better determine the possible cause and to know when home care is sufficient and when to see a doctor.
Viral infections of the respiratory system are common causes of sore throat. This feeling may be accompanied by a runny nose, cough, headache, fatigue, body aches or fever.
Resting, drinking enough fluids, and gargling with lukewarm salt water can help relieve symptoms. Honey is also useful for reducing cough in people over one year old, but it should not be given to children under one year old. Antibiotics have no effect on viral infections.
Tonsils are part of the immune system and are located at the back of the throat. Viral and sometimes bacterial infections can cause inflammation and swelling.
Pain when swallowing, redness of the tonsils, fever, headache and swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck are possible symptoms of this disease. Most viral cases resolve with supportive care, but medical testing and treatment may be necessary if a bacterial infection is suspected.
In gastroesophageal reflux disease, stomach contents return to the esophagus and sometimes reach the throat. This can cause throat irritation, hoarseness, dry cough, feeling of a lump in the throat and sour taste in the mouth.
Symptoms worsen in some people after eating or when lying down. Avoiding lying down for about 3 hours after eating, reducing the size of meals and identifying trigger foods can be helpful. Persistent symptoms or difficulty swallowing require medical evaluation.
This bacterial infection can cause a sudden onset of sore throat, fever, pain when swallowing, and swollen tonsils. Sometimes white spots are also seen on the tonsils. Unlike many viral infections, cough and runny nose are not common in strep throat.
However, the appearance of the throat alone is not enough to make a definitive diagnosis, and testing may be necessary. If the infection is confirmed, the doctor will prescribe appropriate antibiotics. Self-administration of antibiotics is not recommended.
Infectious mononucleosis, often associated with Epstein-Barr virus, is more common in adolescents and young adults. Sore throat, fever, swelling of lymph nodes and severe fatigue are its symptoms, and fatigue may last for weeks.
Treatment mainly focuses on rest, drinking fluids and controlling symptoms. In case of infection, you should avoid contact sports and activities that may hit the abdomen until the time recommended by the doctor; Because the enlargement of the spleen in some patients increases the risk of its rupture.
Burning mouth syndrome is characterized by a burning or tingling sensation in the tongue, lips, or other parts of the mouth, and may be accompanied by dry mouth or altered sense of taste. This disorder is not the same as a sore throat alone.
Its possible causes are diverse and sometimes no specific cause can be found. Oral and dental problems, dry mouth, certain medications, and nutritional deficiencies should be considered in the initial evaluation. Treatment depends on the underlying cause, and applying ice or a cool drink may temporarily relieve discomfort.
Esophagitis may be caused by reflux, certain medications, infections, or eosinophilic esophagitis. The latter type is associated with an inflammatory reaction associated with eosinophils in the esophagus.
Burning in the back of the sternum, pain when swallowing and the feeling of food being stuck are possible signs of inflammation of the esophagus. In eosinophilic esophagitis, difficulty in swallowing solid foods may be an important symptom. Diagnosis of this disease sometimes requires endoscopy and sampling, and its treatment must be determined based on the cause.
8. Allergy, dry air and environmental stimuli
Dry air, cigarette smoke, air pollution, chemical irritants and breathing through the mouth can irritate the throat mucosa. Allergies may also cause coughing, scratchy feeling or burning throat by causing secretions behind the nose.
Drinking enough water, staying away from smoke and irritating smells, using a clean nebulizer in dry air, and rinsing the nose with a prepared saline solution can help reduce symptoms. If the irritation returns frequently, it is important to investigate allergies or other possible causes.
Home remedies to relieve sore throat
Drink lukewarm or cool water and liquids, depending on what makes you feel better.
gargle with lukewarm salt water; Not suitable for children who are unable to gargle safely.
Use of honey to relieve cough in people over one year old.
Adequate rest and avoiding smoke, pollution and other stimuli.
Avoid eating close to sleep, if there are reflux symptoms.
These methods can reduce discomfort, but are not a substitute for treating the underlying cause. If symptoms are severe or do not improve, medical attention should not be delayed.
When should you see a doctor?
If a sore throat persists for more than one to two weeks, recurs frequently, or is accompanied by persistent fever, neck lump, persistent hoarseness, unexplained weight loss, or difficulty swallowing, a medical evaluation is necessary.
In case of difficulty in breathing, inability to swallow saliva, rapid swelling of the throat or neck, or inability to drink liquids, one should go to the emergency room immediately.
Medical advice: This article is for general information and is not a substitute for a doctor's examination and diagnosis. The cause of sore throat and its proper treatment depends on the duration of the symptoms, accompanying symptoms and the health status of each person.