Causes Of Sore Throat That You May Not Know
Are you feeling scratchiness, irritation or pain in the throat? Do you have difficulty swallowing? If yes, then you might have a problem with a sore throat that can be worse if left untreated. The most common type of sore throat is a viral infection such as flu or cold. A sore throat can also cause other symptoms such as fever, cough, sneezing, runny nose, body aches, vomiting or nausea, and headache.
What are the causes of a sore throat?
Common cold, flu (influenza), chickenpox, measles, etc. are some causes of sore throats. While some bacterial infections such as Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus) can also cause sore throat. However, there are many other causes that you may not know, such as-
- Irritants: Indoor pollution and outdoor air pollution such as smoke, tobacco, and chemicals can worse your sore throat. Eating spicy food, drinking alcohol can also automate your throat.
- Dryness: Dry indoor air can also make your throat feel scratchy and rough. Also, when you breathe through your mouth, you may feel nasal congestion that causes sore throat as well.
- Allergies: Molds, pet dander, pollen, dust, and other allergies can cause sore throat. If you often notice that you are allergic, then you can wear a mask.
- Tumors: Sore throat can also be the cause of cancerous tumors of the tongue, throat and voice box (larynx). Other symptoms may include, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, a lump in the neck, noisy breathing, blood in phlegm or saliva, etc.
- Injury: Getting any piece of food or small tool stuck in your throat can also cause irritation or pain. You can also feel soreness in your throat after talking loudly, singing, yelling for a long period. Sore throats are common concerns among teachers or fitness instructors who often have to yell.
- GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease): Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a health condition in which stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. It is the tube that carries your food to the stomach from the mouth. This acid burns the throat and esophagus, causing issues like acid reflux, heartburn, etc.
How to prevent a sore throat?
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly before eating, after using the toilet or after coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid sharing your utensils especially drinking glasses and food with others.
- Use tissue while coughing or sneezing and throw it in the dustbin. If in case you don’t have a tissue, sneeze into your elbow.
- Avoid touching others' belongings especially cell phones.
- Clean your TV remotes, mobile phones, computer keyboards by using a good quality sanitizer.
- Maintain distance with people having cough.
If you are feeling soreness in throat for more than 2 weeks, it's the time to see a reputed ENT doctor in Varanasi. It is important to get prescribed medication for your specific symptoms and attain better health.
To know more details, you can visit https://heritagehospitals.com/departments/specialities/ent-ear-nose-throat
