Sore Throat or painful throat is a condition caused by inflammation due to cold or virus that attack larynx, pharynx or tonsils.

Sore throat is associated with pain in the throat, irritation of the throat, difficulty in swallowing. Sore throat can be acute or chronic. Acute sore throat does not stay for long time, it heals on its own, whereas chronic sore throat lasts for longer periods, which could be a sign of underlying illness, such as tonsillitis or sinus infection. This condition needs medical treatment.

What causes sore throat?

Sore throat also known as pharyngitis is caused by number of bacterial infections, the common being streptococcus, causes strep throat infection, (a bacterial infection) .This type of sore throat needs treatment to prevent further problems.

And most common sore throat (pharyngitis) is caused by virus that subsides or heals on its own. This type of sore throat usually does not require any antibiotic treatment.

Here are some of the main causes of sore throat.

Breathing polluted air- Air gets polluted due to various toxins, harmful chemicals, gases, cigarette smoke and other toxic substances. When you take in such air, it causes sore throat, but this is unavoidable, we cannot always stay in unpolluted environment, so it is better to take precautions when you go out, like covering your mouth and nose.

Bacterial infection- Bacterial infection also causes severe throat pain, making it difficult to swallow. This condition is caused by the bacteria, streptococcus bacteria that attacks the throat and the tonsils.

Viral infection- This is the most common type of sore throat, caused by different virus that affects pharynx (resulting in sore throat and fever). In this type of sore throat, you can have cough, running nose, headache and respiratory tract infection.

Symptoms of sore throat-

Sore throat affects both children and adults. The bacteria causing sore throat is spread by normal activities by shaking hands with people infected with virus, causing cold, cough, sneezing and fever. But it can be treated easily.

Symptoms of sore throat in children

Sore throat in children is common, the symptoms of sore throat are

pain in the throat

running nose

cough

fever

swollen lymph glands

feeling tired

difficulty in breathing

headache, stomach ache and vomiting in case of strep infection

When to see a doctor?

If your child is having sore throat, accompanied by the symptoms of fever and if it is not subsiding within 2 to 3 days, then take your child to the doctor. The doctor will do physical exam and might give certain antibiotics or pain relievers like ibuprofen, throat lozenges and advice you to give the child warm salt water gargle.

Symptoms of sore throat in adults-

Sore, swollen glands in jaws and neck region

hoarse voice

pain or irritation in the throat

difficulty swallowing

rash

joint pain

Accumulation of phlegm

difficulty breathing

fever

trouble opening mouth

A lump in the throat.

Both children and adults can suffer from sore throat once or twice in a year with almost same symptoms. If the sore throat is not healing and troubling you, it is better to see a doctor and take proper medication with blood checkup