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Sore Throat And Other Throat Problems

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Sore Throat and Other Throat Problems

Overview

Sore throats can be painful and annoying. But most sore throats are caused by a minor illness and go away without medical treatment.

Several conditions can cause a sore throat.

Viral infections

Sore throats may be caused by a viral illness, such as:

Bacterial infections

A bacterial infection, Opens dialog may also cause a sore throat. These kind of infections include:

Irritants and injuries

A sore throat that lasts longer than a week is often caused by irritants or an injury. Examples include:

  • Throat irritation from low humidity, smoking, air pollution, yelling, or nasal drainage down the back of the throat (postnasal drip, Opens dialog).
  • Breathing through your mouth when you have allergies or a stuffy nose.
  • Stomach acid that backs up into the throat. This may be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, Opens dialog). GERD often occurs with heartburn, Opens dialog, an acid taste in your mouth, or a cough . But sometimes a sore throat is the only symptom.
  • An injury to the back of the throat. Examples include a cut or puncture from falling with a pointed object in your mouth.

Treatment for a sore throat

Treatment for a sore throat depends on the cause. You may be able to use home treatment to get relief.

Because viral illnesses are the most common cause of a sore throat, it's important not to use antibiotics to treat them. Antibiotics do not help with viral infections. Using an antibiotic when you don't need to exposes you to other risks, such as having an allergic reaction, Opens dialog and having side effects from the medicine. Examples of side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, and yeast infections. Antibiotics also may kill good (beneficial) bacteria and allow antibiotic-resistant, Opens dialog bacteria to grow.

For sore throats caused by strep, treatment with antibiotics may be needed.

Information about Sore Throat And Other Throat Problems

Current as of: October 27, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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