Understanding Throat Symptoms: When to Pay Attention

Everyone, you included, has had to deal with a sore throat at one point or another. It’s one of the most common health complaints from young children to older adults. They’re especially common during the colder months when respiratory diseases are prevalent.

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Throat symptoms can be painful. It makes it difficult to swallow food and liquid and can make the throat feel scratchy. It’s annoying and can take away from your enjoyment of life. While most cases of sore throat will resolve on their own, however, though rarely, it can develop into something more serious so keeping a close eye on your symptoms is crucial.

What Is a Sore Throat?

A sore throat, also known as pharyngitis, is a scratchy, painful, and irritating feeling in the back of the throat (also known as pharynx, hence the medical term). A sore throat commonly results from a viral infection, typically from the common cold or flu. The virus causes swelling and inflammation in the lining of the throat. When someone has a sore throat, they find it painful to swallow or talk due to the inflammation in the throat.

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There are two types of pharyngitis:

• Acute pharyngitis is a short-term infection that lasts for about 3 to 10 days. Most cases of sore throat are acute.
• Chronic pharyngitis is a long-term infection that lasts more than 10 days to several weeks. A sore throat that keeps coming back even after the symptoms have subsided is also considered a chronic infection.

What are the common symptoms?

• A painful, scratchy, or irritating sensation in the throat
• Pain that worsens when swallowing or talking
• Red or swollen tonsils
• Swallowing difficulties
• Hoarseness
• White patches or pus on the tonsils
• Swollen glands or lymph nodes on the neck

Other signs and symptoms of a sore throat you need to watch out for include:

• Coughing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Fever
• Sneezing
• Headaches
• Fatigue

What Causes Sore Throat?

There are many factors that can cause a sore throat:

• Viral infections: Most cases of sore throats occur due to a viral infection, like the common cold or flu. Other viruses that can cause a sore throat include COVID-19, chickenpox, measles, and croup.
• Bacterial infections: Not all cases of sore throat are caused by a virus – some may be due to a bacterial infection. While there are many types of bacteria, the most common type to cause a sore throat is Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus), commonly known as strep. If your sore throat is due to a bacterial infection, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics.
• Allergies: Allergic reactions to external factors like pollen, dust mites, molds, and pet dander can often cause postnasal drip, which is mucus dripping down the back of the throat. This can potentially cause inflammation and irritation in the throat.
• Tonsilitis: Tonsillitis is characterized by infected and inflamed tonsils.
• Acid reflux: Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, can cause a burning pain in the back of the throat. A sore throat due to acid reflux may also be accompanied by other symptoms like hoarseness and heartburn.
• Dry air: Dry air means dry throat, which can be irritating and cause sore throat.
• Pollution: Chemicals in the air and other airborne irritants can easily irritate the throat.
• Tumors: Although rare, there are some cases that a sore throat results from a tumor or cancer in the throat.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Most cases of sore throat will resolve at home and don’t require emergency medical attention. However, contact your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Sore throat that lasts longer than a week
• Severe pain in the throat
• A fever, especially if it’s above 100.4°F (38 °C)
• Difficulty breathing
• Skin rash
• Blood in your phlegm or saliva
• Dehydration
• A lump in the back of the throat or on the neck
• Joint pain or swelling
• Hoarseness that lasts for more than two weeks
• Excessive drooling (in young children)

At Arizona Breathe Free, we have a team of experts that can address your sore throat concerns and other concerning throat symptoms. Schedule a consultation today to address the problem and get back to living your life fully.

Throat Symptoms: Treatment and Prevention

Try these at-home remedies to find relief from sore throat:

• Increase liquid intake and make sure you are properly hydrated
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers
• Run a humidifier to add moisture to the air
• Drink soothing liquids like warm tea with honey or lemon
• Gargle with warm salt water
• Suck on cold treats, ice chips, popsicles, hard candy, or throat lozenges

Here are effective ways to prevent sore throat:

• Avoid sharing foods or utensils
• Wash your hands
• Don’t touch your face
• Be careful when touching shared or public items
• Avoid people who are sick and avoid people when you are sick

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